Naxxar started the new year where they left in 2009. Yesterday Naxxar played their 7th match in the 3rd division against joint leaders Attard. Coming from two consecutive wins, in a windy afternoon, Naxxar were the better team throughout the 90 minutes to claim the 3 points which put them the sole leaders [Zejtun Corinthians have a game in hand] of the table.
The game started with the wind behind Naxxar players' back and this helped the Lions to keep pressure throughout the first half. In fact, the first 45 minutes were practically played in Attard's defensive area with Naxxar's goalkeeper touching the ball every now and then, with no real danger to Naxxar's rear guard. On the other hand, Naxxar had several occasions to score, with Adrian Fenech hitting the cross-bar from a direct free kick outside Attard's penalty area. Few minutes later, Mario Debono hit the cross bar with a powerful shot from the right and from the resulting corner, in the 27th minute, Naxxar opened the score when Attard's defender put the ball in his own net when under pressure.
After this goal, Naxxar kept on pressing their opponents and were rewarded again 5 minutes from time from another free kick on the left and few mitures outside the penalty area. This time it was Gilbert Camilleri's turn to take the shot and scoring Naxxar's second goal to give the lions a deserved lead.
In the second half, Naxxar were aware that they had to work hard to win the game with a 2 two goal lead. This was more evident when after less than two minutes, Attard scored with a header after a free kick from the left. With this goal Attard were back in the game, this time with the wind helping Attard. After this shock, Naxxar pulled their act together and started going forwards again creating several goal scoring opportunities, with Mario Debono coming close twice and Glen Magri being denied a goal by Attard's goalkeeper, who replaced Attard's number one in the second half. Attard also had their chances and the Lions were lucky when a header by Attard's striker from a set piece was signalled offside by the assistant referee. Later in the game, Darren Falzon sealed the game and assured that the 3 points were Naxxar's, when he fired low after a cross from the left.
It's also great to note that Victor Bellia returned for the Lions after several months out injured. Victor was the player who gave Naxxar the final push in the last 20 minutes. It was great to see the warm welcome from the numerous supporters who attended the game and who were of constant support to the team. We encourage all Naxxar supporters to come and give their full support to the team and help in the team to win promotion to second division.
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