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[2010-03-09] Naxxar Lions had a difficult match against Kirkop United who gave their all to keep their hopes for a top 3 finish
and a chance for play-offs alive. Naxxar started the game with a 4-3-3 formation with Ramon Schembri on the bench,
to avoid the risk of being booked, as this would have meant a fourth yellow with the consequence of having to miss
the important coming clash against Zejtun Corinthians.
The first 45 minutes were dominated by Naxxar who had most of possession creating several scoring opportunities.
The first one was in the 16th minute when a shot from outside the penalty area by Kevin Fenech went over the cross
bar. A minute later, Justin Zammit had his shot saved by Kirkop's goalkeeper. In the 21st minute, Adrian Fenech's
shot was again saved by the goalkeeper. Few minutes later, in the 24th and 31st minute, Darren Falzon had two headers
saved by the goalkeeper, one after a cross from the left by Kurt Farrugia and the other from a long pass by Victor Bellia.
Naxxar were rewarded for their efforts on the stroke of half-time when Victor Bellia was fouled in the penalty area
while dribbling two Kirkop defenders. From the resulting penalty, Darren Falzon gave the Lions the deserved lead.
In the second half, the match was dominated by the two defences and few scoring opportunities were created. The first
one was from a Justin Zammit shot in the 55th minute which went high. In the 69th minute, Kevin Fenech had his shot
saved by the goalkeeper after receiving the ball from the right. Kirkop had a good opportunity later in the game when
a cross from the left was mistimed by the Kirkop forward.
With this win, Naxxar and Zejtun Corinthians stay locked at the top on 30 points each, ahead of the direct encounter
in two weeks time. Once again, Naxxar supporters were great throughout the match. We encourage more Naxxar supporters
to attend on Sunday 21st March at 2.00 pm to support our team in what promises to be the match of the season.
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