vs
3	-	1
23' John Camilleri 60' Christian Bugeja 75' Chris Camilleri		66' Thiago dos Santos

Date	Sunday 4th September 2011
Time	1600
Venue	Gozo Stadium
Competition	Independence Cup Quarter Final
H.T.	1 - 0
Line-up	Joseph Grima, Joseph Azzopardi, Manuel Xerri, Martin Hrubsa, Joseph Cefai, Franklee Grima, Elton Vella (John Vella), Christian Bugeja, Chris Camilleri, Rodney Buttigieg (Gennaro Hili), John Camilleri (Mark Camilleri)
Unused Subs	Darren Pace, Carlton Mifsud, Josef Xerri, Paul Rapa
Remarks
Referee	Andre' Arciola

Xewkija Tigers get their season started in impressive style as they beat newcomers Xaghra United in the first Quarter Final of the Independence Cup 2011.  It was a one-way encounter in which the Tigers could have easily won with a bigger scoreline weren't some excellent stops by Xaghra goalkeeper Vella and some lack of precision in front of goal.  The Tigers fielded all their new summer signings including the returns of Mark Camilleri, Chris Camilleri and some new faces like John Camilleri, Elton Vella, Franklee Grima and Czech defender Martin Hrubsa.

After a slow start by both sets of teams the Tigers took the lead on 23 minutes when from a corner kick by Chris Camilleri, John Camilleri pounce on the first post to beat the opposing defender and put the ball in the back of the net.  It was a well deserved lead with Xewkija who were becoming more insistent in Xaghra's box.  United's sole reply of the first half arrived from an effort by their Brazilian forward Thiago Dos Santos, which was neutralized by goalkeeper Grima.

The second half was much more exciting with the Tigers doubling their lead after 15 minutes when Christian Bugeja beat the defence and placed in an empty net.  However Xaghra's reaction was swift and six minutes later they reduced the gap with a fine solo effort by Thiago Dos Santos who beat two Xewkija defender before beating hapless Grima with a cracking shot towards the first post.

When United seemed to take control of the game, Xewkija punced once again and restored the two goal advantage on 75 mintues when Chris Camilleri's indirect free kick beat the goalkeeper for the third time and sealed the deserved victory for Xewkija.

Xewkija Tigers will now face SK Victoria Wanderers in the Semi Final of the Independence Cup, which match will be played on Sunday 18th September at the Gozo Stadium.

(Click on one of the images below to enlarge picture)

Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 September 2011 18:43 )