Marsaxlokk come from behind to bag first win in Closing Round

Two late goals by substitute Alex De Aguiar handed Marsaxlokk their first win in the Closing Round at the expense of Żabbar SP.

The Southerners had to work hard for the three points, particularly after falling behind to a Kristian Keqi goal.

But gradually, Marsaxlokk stepped up a gear and after Yuri Messias equalised from a penalty they went on to win the three points courtesy of two late goals by De Aguiar.

The match was quite balanced in the opening 45 minutes with both teams pushing forward in search of an opener.

Żabbar created the first chance on 11 minutes when Stefan Ilic hit a firm drive that was well saved by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona.

Marsaxlokk responded four minutes later when Nikolai Muscat tried his luck from the distance but the ball finished just wide.

Marsaxlokk suffered a blow on 17 minutes when striker Jai Quitong pulled out injured and was replaced by new signing Sergo Kukhianidze.

Marsaxlokk had a great chance on 22 minutes when Uri Arias fed Jake Ghio inside the area but his shot was repelled by goalkeeper Matthew Grech. From the rebound, Messias fired over.

Gradually, Żabbar grew in stature and on 25 minutes Diogo Tavares’ effort from a free-kick finished just wide.

The Saints efforts were rewarded on the half-hour mark when Strahinja Jovicic picked Christian Keqi inside the area and the Brazilian fired home.

Marsaxlokk’s response arrived on 66 minutes when Grech denied Messias.

Marsaxlokk levelled matters on 38 minutes when Uri Arias anticipated goalkeeper Grech but his shot hit the upright.

But referee Matthew Degabriele pointed to the spot as he adjudged that the goalkeeper fouled the midfielder.

From the spot, Yuri Messias made no mistake to make it 1-1.

Żabbar kept up the momentum after the break and were unlucky not to restore their lead on 55 minutes when Tavares hit the upright from close in.

Marsaxlokk started to take control of the game and on 82 minutes they grabbed the winner. From a Messias corner Alex De Aguiar, who had just replaced Adamec, headed home via a defender.

The goal hit hard Żabbar who conceded again a minute later when goalkeeper Grech miscontrolled a backpass and in came Messias whose pass finished into the path of De Aguiar who fired home.

MARSAXLOKK 3

Messias 38 pen.; De Aguiar 82, 83

ŻABBAR SP      1

Keqi 30

MARSAXLOKK

M. Calleja Cremona, D. Torres, N. Muscat, J. Ghio (74 J. Walker), Y. Messias, U. Arias, M. Adamec (79 A. De Aguiar), J. Quitongo (15 S. Kukhianidze), L. Dessypris, E. Pena Beltre, L. Aguirre.

ŻABBAR SP

 M. Grech, J. Micallef (85 I. Akpan), B. Gambarte, S. Ilic (84 S. Gatt), J. Pisani, D. Tavares (65 M. Barros Santos), S. Jovancic, Vinicius, K. Keqi (65 J. Mendonca), D. Jovicic (65 Z. Grech), D. Oliveira Souza.

Referee: Matthew De Gabriele.

Yellow cards: Adamec, Torres, Jovicic.