Xagħra United and Kerċem Ajax secured dramatic victories in the GFA Division One as the top-tier championship resumed last weekend.
Both Xagħra and Kerċem recovered from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2, with the decisive goals arriving in stoppage time.
Xagħra secured the biggest scalp when defeating former champions Nadur Youngsters in the final match of the first round, while Kercem Ajax overcame SK Victoria Wanderers in the opening match of the second round.
As a result of these outcomes, Xagħra collected their first points of the championship, although they remained bottom of the table, while Kercem took sole leadership, albeit with their closest challengers, Xewkija Tigers, having a game in hand.
Xagħra United came back from 2-0 down to overcome Nadur in a five-goal thriller. The win was a huge lift for Xagħra who ended a depressing run of five successive defeats and keep alive their hopes of avoiding the drop.
This clash between Xagħra and Nadur was a direct clash between the two teams occupying the bottom places of the standings, with both sides in urgent need of a win.
Nadur dominated the first half and deservedly opened a two-goal lead through a brace by Pedrinho (27, 32).
Xaghra emerged more aggressive in the second half but suffered a setback in the 73rd minute when substitute Steve Sultana was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite this, Nadur were caught off guard by Xagħra’s late surge.
Lucas Farrugia reduced the deficit in the 75th minute, before Claudir converted a penalty, awarded for a foul on Ibrahim Salis, to level the score.
Ten-man Xagħra completed the impressive comeback in the second minute of added time when Lucas Farrugia struck the decisive goal after a swift counterattack.
Kercem Ajax bounced back from defeat in their previous league match and began the second round in an excellent fashion by securing a valuable 3-2 victory over SK Victoria Wanderers.
This win carried significance beyond the three points gained, as Kerċem produced a strong reaction to overturn the result late in the match after the Wanderers had looked likely to claim victory for much of the contest.
Victoria appeared more organised during the opening hour and took the lead in the sixth minute through a close-range finish by Jose Wilkson. They doubled their advantage in the 56th minute courtesy of Andre Cutler.
Kerċem gradually piled the pressure on their opponents and pulled one back in the 72nd minute through substitute Andre Debrincat following a corner. Ż
The Ajax drew level in the 80th minute with a headed effort by Isaias Cruz.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Kerċem grabbed the winner when Nenem scored directly from a free kick.
The closing moments were tense, with both teams reduced to ten men.
Nenem was sent off in the fifth minute of added time after receiving a second yellow card, while Victoria’s Owen Fenech was shown a red card two minutes later for a reckless challenge on Isaias Cruz.
GFA Division Two
Gharb Rangers extended their lead at the top of the Division Two standings after securing a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Oratory Youths.
Oratory stunned Għarb early on by taking the lead through Aroldinho (3), but Għarb turned the match around with goals by Anthony Sultana (8) and Luke Sultana (24).
Oratory equalised in the 29th minute through Aroldinho, but Għarb took control in the second half and regained the lead in the 77th minute with a direct free kick by Gean Dias.
In the closing stages, Oratory pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Għarb defended well and sealed the win in the fifth minute of added time through substitute Kenny Hili.
In the other second division fixture, Żebbuġ Rovers and Sannat Lions took a point each after a goalless draw that ultimately satisfied neither side.
Both teams were seeking victory, with Sannat aiming to recover from their previous defeat and keep pace with the league leaders, while Żebbuġ were hoping to register a third consecutive win to close the gap on the teams above them.
In the end, neither side managed to assert dominance, and clear-cut chances at both ends were scarce, resulting in a fair but disappointing stalemate.
NEXT FIXTURE
FRIDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM
GFA DIVISION TWO
Munxar vs St Lawrence 13.00
Għarb vs Żebbuġ Rovers 15.15
SUNDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Għajnsielem vs Xagħra 13.00
Qala Saints vs Xewkija 15.00
