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Last Tuesday, Naxxar Lions played the decider against Zejtun Corinthians to determine the winner of
3rd Division Section B. The game was played in an excellent atmosphere, in a packed Victor Tedesco
Stadium with gates closing before the match started. Supporters from both sides of the stands cheered
for their team, giving their full support and encouragement to their players throughout the match.
Both teams were cautious in the 1st half, with Naxxar Lions creating the first chance of the match,
when Matthew Spiteri Gonzi shot from outside the penalty area. In the 7th and 10th minute, Zejtun
Corinthians had two shots going wide. In the 31st minute, Zejtun had a good opportunity when Kenneth
Abela missed from in front of the goal. In the 42nd minute, a Gilbert Camilleri free kick was saved by
the goalkeeper while on the other side of the pitch, David Vella saved for Naxxar Lions.
In the second half, Naxxar improved their performance and had their first chance from a Gilbert Camilleri
free kick which went over the cross bar. In the 52nd minute, Zejtun's guardian reached Adrian Fenech's
cross before Naxxar forward Darren Falzon. A minute later, the stadium exploded when Gilbert Camilleri
shot past Zejtun's goalkeeper after receiving a through pass from Glen Magri to give Naxxar Lions the
lead. After this goal, Zejtun increased their effort but couldn't penetrate the Naxxar defense. In the 60th
minute Naxxar goalkeeper saved a header from a Zejtun corner. 2 minutes later, the Lions could have closed
the match when Adrian Fenech was surprised to receive a ball in the penalty area and mishit the ball. In the
83rd minute, Zejtun forward shot over the cross bar from inside the penalty area and 5 minutes from time,
they were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area from which Charlo Magro converted to level the
score and give hope to the Zejtun fans. The last opportunity of the first 90 minutes was Zejtun's when their
forward forced David Vella to save.
With the 90 minutes ending in a 1-1 draw, the two teams were forced to play the extra time. With both teams'
players tired, there were few goal scoring opportunities. One of them was in the 100th minute when Zejtun's
forward shot from outside the penalty area, and the other was a header by Kenneth Abela which was cleared off
the line by Matthew Spiteri Gonzi in the 114th minute. This led to the penalties lottery where Zejtun Corinthians
scored 4 and Naxxar scored 3. With this result, Naxxar Lions are now forced to play in the 3rd division playoffs
to win promotion.
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