Qala Saints leave it late to grab fifth successive win

Qala Saints, Nadur Youngsters, and SK Victoria Wanderers all secured important wins during last weekend’s GFA Division One programme.

Qala strengthened their grip on top spot, while both Nadur and SK Victoria Wanderers moved out of the lower places.

Qala Saints continued their unbeaten streak with a 4-2 victory over Għajnsielem, to secure their fifth consecutive victory.

Għajnsielem put up a strong challenge to Qala but in the end, the Saints’ superiority came to the fore late on as they netted two late goals to clinch the win.

Ezequiel Eduardo Ruiz opened the scoring for Qala on 14 minutes, but Ghajnsielem levelled matters in the 55th minute through Joseph Onyeka Ezigbo.

Ruiz restored Qala’s lead in the 64th minute with a fine shot but ten minutes later, Għajnsielem were awarded a penalty for a foul on Marcus Vinicius and the Brazilian picked himself up to convert from the spot.

When it looked like the match would end in a draw, Christian Mercieca struck twice in the 83rd and 87th minutes to secure the win for Qala.

Nadur Youngsters registered their first victory of the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Xagħra United.

Xagħra came into the match on the back of a three-game winning streak and created the better chances.

But their discipline unravelled in the second half when Sam Frank Bajada and Michael Bezzina were both sent off, on 72 and 83 minutes, after committing a second bookable offence.

Nadur took advantage of their numerical superiority, scoring the decisive goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time through a fine shot by Andre Gabriel.

SK Victoria Wanderers notched their second straight win, defeating Oratory Youths 2-1 and move up to fourth in the standings.

Oratory initially looked the stronger side, taking the lead in the fourth minute with a goal from Matheus Vinicius.

However, the Wanderers hit back and Igor Henrique levelled matters on 13 minutes before David Garba put them in front on 39 minutes.

The Wanderers controlled the second half to secure the victory, leaving Oratory still without a win after four games.

GFA Division Two

St Lawrence extended their excellent start to the campaign when notching their second successive win at the expense of Għarb Rangers 1-0.

The Saints struck the winner on 43 minutes through Jurgen Mario Portelli.

Promotion favourites Kerċem Ajax eased past Sannat Lions 4-0.

Kerċem dictated matters throughout the encounter and earned the three points by scoring two goals in each half through Daniel Cassar (27), Andrea Debrincat (33), Carlos Cutajar (61) and Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos (63).

NEXT FIXTURES

GOZO STADIUM

PLAYING FRIDAY

GFA DIVISION ONE

Oratory vs Għajnsielem            19.00

PLAYING SATURDAY

GFA DIVISION TWO

Kerċem vs Munxar Falcons      14.00

Zebbug vs Sannat Lions            16.00

PLAYING SUNDAY

GFA DIVISION ONE

Xagħra Utd vs Xewkija T.          14.00

Nadur Y. vs SK Victoria W.        16.00