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Yesterday Naxxar Lions played the first semi-final in the 3rd division promotion play-offs against Mdina Knights who finished 2nd in
Section A. Although the Lions had several missing players, they started with an offensive 4-3-3 formation, dictating play throughout
the 90 minutes with Imdina creating isolated counter attacks.
We had to wait till the 18th minute for the first dangerous attach when Gilbert Camilleri's header went just over the cross bar after
receiving a cross from Darren Falzon from the right. 4 minutes later, Mdina were dangerous from a free kick from outside the penalty
area which forced Bjorn Attard to punch the ball after hitting the cross bar. Naxxar were quick on the counter attack and Darren Falzon
shot wide on the other side. In the 28th minute, Adrian Fenech had another shot from outside the penalty area going high over the cross
bar. A minute later Gilbert Camilleri was brought down in the penalty area when trying to head the ball. From the resulting penalty, Darren
Falzon did not miss to open the score for the Lions. With the Naxxar players still unsettled, a quick attack on the other side resulted in
dubious penalty being awarded to Mdina Knights. Joe Debono missed a golden opportunity for Mdina to level the score when he shot wide on
the right. In the 36th minute, Gilbert Camilleri had a header saved by the Mdina custodian after receiving a cross from a corner and a
minute later, Glen Magri was very close when his powerful shot hit the cross bar after receiving from Gilbert Camilleri. The first half
ended with a goal advantage for the Lions.
In the second half, Naxxar started where they left off the first half with Darren Falzon forcing the Mdina goalkeeper to save while Adrian
Fenech was intercepted by the same goalkeeper after receiving the ball in the penalty area. 3 minuted later, Naxxar doubled the score when
Darren Falzon scored from the rebound after Mdina goalkeeper saved a Simon Muscat shot and in the 65th minute, Justin Zammit had his shot
from inside the penalty area saved by the Mdina rear guard. In the last 7 minutes of the match, Mdina had a free kick saved by the Naxxar
goalkeeper while 3 minutes later, Mdina were given another dubious penalty. Matthew Spiteri Gonzi made a clean tackle in the penalty area
but the referee had a different opinion, sending off the defender and leaving Naxxar Lions with 10 men. From the penalty, Mdina's Gregory
Degabriele saw Bjorn Attard making a fine save and keeping a clean sheet for the reds, ending the match 2-0.
After this match, Naxxar Lions play in the play-offs final against Gudja United who yesterday won against 2nd division Santa Venera. Naxxar
supporters are encouraged to attend to the match and give their full support to the team on Sunday at 9.30 at the centenary stadium.
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