vs
3	-	0
33' C.Camilleri 73'  M.Camilleri  88'  J. Camilleri

Xewkija Tigers recover from their incredible defeat last weekend in the league against Nadur and register a historic win against Senglea Athletics to progress in the 4th Round of the U*BET F.A. Trophy.  Not only Xewkija Tigers are the only Gozitan team left in the competition but since Gozitan teams' inclusion in this competition, no other team has managed a better result.

Xewkija had a very good start and created some serious pressure on their opponents in the opening minutes.  In the 2nd minute an effort by Rodney Buttigieg ended just wide and on 7 minutes the same Buttigieg saw his low effort blocked by Senglea goalie Bartolo and from the resultant rebound John Vella saw the same Bartolo effecting another excellent save to deny the Tigers from taking the lead.  As time passed by, Senglea seemed to settle more in the game and went close on 25 minutes when an effort by Rennie Tanti ended high.  Two minutes later Xewkija were unlucky when a piledriver from around 30 metres by Chris Camilleri beat goalie Bartolo but not the woodwork and from the rebound Joseph Azzopardi concluded high above the post. Two minutes later goalie Bartolo was called once again into action when he deflected into a corner a John Camilleri header following a cross by Joseph Azzopardi.  Xewkija were once again unlucky on the half hour mark when John Camilleri hit the woodwork following a free kick by Kiril Dyakov.  However the Tigers managed to open the score from a corner on the 33rd minute when a fast taken corner between Elton Vella and Chris Camilleri saw the latter receive the ball, cut to the inside and let fly a shot which beat Bartolo on his first post.

In the second half Senglea came out more aggressive and on 52 minutes an effort by Glen Brincat ended just wide.  One minute later Xewkija wasted a good opportunity by John Camilleri which ended wide and on 58 minutes Xewkija's goalie Joseph Grima made a good save following a direct free kick by Brady Zerafa.  Senglea went close on two consecutive separate occasion on 59 and 60 minutes but on both occasions Brady Zerafa concluded badly from ideal positions.  On 70 Senglea went close again but John Emeka's effort ended high and two minutes later Xewkija doubled the score.  Froma corner by Elton Vella, goalie Vella cleared badly onto substitute Mark Camilleri's feet who headed in goal without any trouble.  Senglea were now demoralized and Xewkija controlled the match.  Minutes later Xewkija's Elton Vella failed to score the team's third following a personal action which saw his effort ending just wide.  The score however did become 3-0 on 88 minutes when a fast break by Chris Camilleri from the left saw him dribble two defenders before feeding John Camilleri who had not trouble in beating Bartolo for the third time.  Senglea had a good scoring opportunity in the dying moments when John Emeka and Omar Rabah failed to concluded from an ideal position with the defence well positioned whilst Rio Micallef saw his effort blocked by goalie Grima.

The draw on Tuesday 20th December will determine Xewkija's new opposition in the 4th Round.

Photos by Gozo Football Associatoin (www.gfa.com.mt) - Photos taken by Joseph Mercieca

Last Updated ( Monday, 19 December 2011 20:21 )