Qala Saints win top-of-the-table clash against Xewkija Tigers

Qala Saints continued to show rubberstamp their superiority in Gozo football when brushing aside nearest rivals Xewkija Tigers, and consolidate top spot in the standings.

Xagħra United continued to impress with a win against Oratory Youths, while SK Victoria Wanderers earned their first points with victory over Għajnsielem.

Qala Saints were in a class of their own when overcoming Xewkija 3-0 at the Gozo Stadium.

Qala dominated the match and kept the pressure on Xewkija’s defence from the early minutes but had to wait until the 43rd minute to forge ahead courtesy of a free-kick from Ezequiel Ruiz.

Xewkija’s response was sterile and the Saints sealed the points with second-half goals from Igor Nedeljkovic on 67 and 89 minutes.

Xewkija finished the game with ten men when Stefan Cassar was sent off for a second booking.

Xagħra United earned their third consecutive win after defeating Oratory Youths 3-1, and move up to second in the standings.

This was Oratory’s third defeat, leaving them in bottom place with no points.

The match was evenly contested for much of the first half, but Xagħra managed to go into halftime ahead thanks to a goal by Lucas Farrugia in the third minute of added time.

In the second half, Xagħra grew in confidence and extended their lead with two more goals by Aleksa Bozovic in the 56th minute and Michael Bezzina on the hour mark. Oratory pulled a goal back on 70 minutes when Gabriel Souza capitalised on defensive indecision.

SK Victoria Wanderers bounced back two successive defeats when they had the better of Għajnsielem, who suffered their third consecutive loss.

The Wanderers came out aggressive and practically secured the win with three goals in the early part of the game.

The Wanderers opened the scoring in the third minute through an own goal by Hayden Muscat, and doubled their lead on 20 minutes with a goal by Igor Henrique.

Seven minutes later, Victoria were awarded a penalty for a foul on Emmanuel Garba, and Henrique made it 3-0 from the spot.

In the second half, the Wanderers could have extended their lead, but had two goals annulled for offside and an effort that came off the upright.

Kerċem Ajax beat Munxar Falcons 3-0 to lift the Second Division Challenge Cup.

Kerċem dominated the match and sealed the win with a hat-trick by Cesar Velez.

At the end of the match, Michelangelo Grech, the GFA vice-president presented the trophies to the winners.

Meanwhile, the Second Division championship was under way.

St Lawrence Spurs came from behind to obtain a 3-2 win over Żebbuġ Rovers. 

The Rovers were twice ahead with goals from Andrew Chukwuwinke in the tird and 45th minute. 

But, the Spurs fought back and turned the match in their favour with goals from Eduin Junior Pedrozo (6), an own goal by Żebbuġ’s goalie Gabrie Saliba and a late goal from an Eman Bugeja penalty.

The Rovers had Oliver Cremona sent off for a second bookable offence. 

Munxar Falcons started the campaign with a 3-1 win over Għarb Rangers. 

The Falcons opened the score on 23 minutes through a shot by Samwel Muscat but Gharb levelled matters on 33 minutes with a goal netted by Osayi Igbinobaro

Munxar regained the lead from a penalty scored by Joseph Vella (36) before Samwel Muscat (62) sealed the points with a third goal.

NEXT FIXTURES

GOZO STADIUM

PLAYING ON FRIDAY

GFA DIVISION ONE

Nadur Y. vs Xaghra Utd             19.00

PLAYING SATURDAY

GFA DIVISION TWO

Sannat Lions vs Kerċem            14.00

Gharb vs St Lawrence 16.00

SUNDAY

GFA DIVISION ONE

Oratory Y. vs SK Victoria           14.00

Għajnsielem vs vs Qala             16.00