vs
4	-	1
John Camilleri (2) Mark Camilleri Chris Camilleri

Xewkija win the first battle between the two sides considered by many to be the main rivals for this season's honours as they beat Nadur Youngsters 4-1 to progress to the Semi Finals of the GFA Cup.  They now face Sannat Lions, who previously had beaten SK Victoria Wanderers after a penalty shootout.  Xewkija played a very good match throughout the 90 minutes, however Saviour Attard's dismissal for Nadur proved to be decisive in the end result.

The Tigers had an excellent start and managed to open the score within the first two minutes when Paul Camilleri of Nadur upended Rodney Buttigieg in the penalty area, leaving referee Zammit with no other options but to award the Tigers the penalty kick, which John Camilleri converted with ease. Nadur replied with an effort by Milos Stojanovic on 14 minutes which ended wide and one minute later Xewkija were dangerous with a run by John Camilleri which was blocked into a corner kick by the opposite defence.  On 19 minutes Nadur were once again dangerous with a header by Stojanovic which ended just wide and one minute later Nadur managed to level the score with a header by Charles Mercieca who was headed in goal a free kick by Milos Stojanovic. Nadur kept insisting and two minutes they could have taken the lead after a personal action by Josef Buttigieg, whose effort ended just wide of goal.

The second opened well for the Tigers, when after just three minutes, Saviour Attard of Nadur was sent off following a dangerous foul on John Camilleri.  Two minutes later Nadur's goalkeeper Victor Agius made a difficult save to block a cross from the right by Elton Vella. On 53 minutes John Camilleri missed the target with a good header following a cross by Buttigieg and three minutes later a lob by the same Camilleri beat goalie Agius but ended wide.  On 61 minutes Mark Camilleri hesitated in front of Agius to miss the opportunity to conclude on goal, however on 64 minutes Xewkija's efforts were paid off, when John Camilleri scored his second goal of the game netting a low drive following an assist by Mark Camilleri who was previously served by Frank Lee Galea from the right.  Xewkija were now in the driving seat and could have added another just one minute later but John Camilleri's effort was well saved by goalie Agius and on 75 minutes Chris Camilleri lost another chance when he concluded wide following a cross by Rodney Buttigieg.  However, on 78 minutes the Tigers made sure of the qualification when Mark Camilleri found his first goal of the season after being served by John Camilleri.  Xewkija extended their lead four minutes into normal time by Chris Camilleri following a through pass by Elton Vella.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 02 November 2011 11:44 )