Three matches from the GFA Division One were played at the Gozo Stadium over the weekend, while the two fixtures scheduled from the Second Division were postponed due to damage at Kerċem Stadium caused by adverse weather conditions.
In the GFA Division One, the three teams leading the standings – Kerċem Ajax, Xewkija Tigers and Għajnsielem – all registered victories against lower-placed opponents, resulting in no changes at the top of the league table.
League leaders Kerċem Ajax recorded a convincing 5-0 victory against bottom-placed Xagħra United, confirming their excellent form and further underlining their ambition to clinch the championship title.
The Ajax dominated for long stretches and effectively secured the three points by scoring three early goals.
Mateus Lima opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a close-range effort following a corner, before Andre Martins doubled the lead in the 16th minute. Just two minutes later, Isaias Cruz made it 3-0.
Kerċem extended their advantage in the opening minute of the second half through another goal by Andre Martins.
Midway through the half, Xagħra came close to scoring a consolation goal, but Junior Claudir’s shot struck the post.
Kerċem eventually sealed the convincing win in the 76th minute when Andre Martins completed his personal hat-trick with the fifth goal.
Xewkija Tigers bounced back from last week’s defeat by claiming three important points in a 4-3 victory over SK Victoria Wanderers, remaining just one point behind leaders Kerċem.
Xewkija showed clear determination throughout the match and enjoyed territorial supremacy for most of the encounter. They also benefited from playing with a numerical advantage for over an hour, allowing them to build a comfortable lead and making it difficult for the Wanderers to salvage a result.
SK Victoria Wanderers were reduced to ten men in the 33rd minute when Nicolas Orozco was shown a straight red card for elbowing an opponent.
Xewkija took advantage and broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time before half-time through Brian Parada.
In the 64th minute, the Wanderers were unlucky not to equalise when Mustapha Amodu struck the post.
A minute later, Xewkija doubled their lead through Stefan Cassar, and in the 69th minute Marcelo Barbosa made it 3-0 with a well-placed shot into the corner.
The Wanderers reduced the deficit in the 76th minute through Andre Cutler, but Xewkija restored their three-goal cushion shortly afterwards with a close-range finish by Matthias Said.
In a dramatic late surge, the Wanderers surprised their opponents by scoring twice – in the 85th minute through Anre Cutler and three minutes later via Kurt Grima.
But Xewkija managed to defend their narrow lead in the remaining minutes.
Għajnsielem secured an important 3-1 victory over Nadur Youngsters to keep up the pressure on the league leaders.
On the other hand, the result left Nadur still in the relegation zone, holding only a one-point advantage over the bottom-placed side.
Għajnsielem took the lead in the 23rd minute with a header by debutant Atem Jok and doubled their advantage in the 39th minute through Deison Cuero.
Nadur’s response in the second half was subdued, and in the 78th minute, Għajnsielem added a third goal through substitute Michael Bezzina.
Nadur scored a late consolation goal in the 85th minute through David Oliveira, who was making his first appearance in the Gozitan championship.
NEXT FIXTURES
PLAYING ON FRIDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
SK Victoria W. vs Għajnsielem 19.00
SATURDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM
GFA DIVISION TWO
St Lawrence S. vs Sannat 13.00
Għarb vs Munxar F . 15.00
SUNDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Qala vs Nadur Y. 13.00
Xagħra vs Xewkja T. 15.00
