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Last Wednesday Naxxar Lions played against Swieqi United, a match which was predicted to be an easy one. Although, Naxxar dictated play creating a lot of
goal scoring opportunities, they found it very difficult to break the deadlock against a well organised defence.
Naxxar went very close to open the score as early as the first minute, when Victor Bellia hit the crossbar after a quick succession of passes. Having the
wind blowing against them, the Lions had to wait until the 33rd minute for the next event, when Gilbert Camilleri had a very good free kick which the Swieqi
goalkeeper saved with difficulty. Seven minutes later, just before a Swieqi corner, the referee ordered a penalty after a Naxxar defender was seen pushing a
Swieqi forward in the penalty area. From the resulting penalty, Naxxar goalkeeper Bjorn Attard produced a fine save to keep the game tied in a scoreless draw.
The last event of the first half was a free kick for Naxxar Lions, when Kevin Fenech shot high, creating no difficulty for the Swieqi goalkeeper.
The second half was a totally different story, with Naxxar attacking the Swieqi rearguard from all directions. Similar to the first half, Naxxar had their
first chance one minute from the restart, when the Swieqi custodian had to punch the ball from a free kick given by Adrian Fenech and three minutes later
Victor Bellia had his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Two minutes later, the same player had his dangerous cross shot diverted by the goalkeeper. From the
resulting corner, Victor Bellia missed the target from close range. In the 58th minute, Bellia missed by a whisker after receiving a cross from the left
by Andrea Farrugia. Few minutes later, Matthew Spiteri Gonzi hit the upright from a corner. Naxxar came close once again, when Victor Bellia’s header missed
by a few centimetres after receiving a cross from Glen Magri. Two minutes later, Gilbert Camilleri had a good free kick, which once more was saved by the
Swieqi guardian, who was always on the alert. In the 73rd minute, Swieqi United had an isolated chance when they had a close shot missing the target. Ten
minutes from time, Naxxar were awarded a penalty when Gilbert Camilleri was fouled in the box. From the resulting penalty, Matthew Spiteri Gonzi, had his
shot saved. Naxxar kept on pressing, having a free kick by Adrian Fenech, saved by the goalkeeper. Four minutes from time, from a corner by Adrian Fenech,
Matthew Spiter Gonzi scored from close range, giving Naxxar Lions the deserved lead. In the dying moments of the game, Mattia Del Negro’s header hit the bar
and Andrea Del Negro had his shot saved by the goalkeeper.
With this win Naxxar keep the pressure on their direct challengers Zejtun Corinthians who had to win their match against Gudja to keep the top spot together
with Naxxar Lions. Once more, both the club and the players would like to thank the numerous supporters for their constant encouragement during the game. We
would like to remind everyone that the next match is on the 11th of April at 14.30.
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