Naxxar defeat Vittoriosa to secure Premier League status

Naxxar Managed to take the lead on the 16th minute. Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro’s freekick was stopped by the wall and from the rebound David Alejandro Reano’s shot was deflected by Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro to go past goalkeeper Mario Muscat,

Naxxar doubled the score on the 24th minute. A long-range effort by Filip Stojanovic was not held by goalkeeper Mario Muscat to make the score 2-0.

Just before the end of the first half, Naxxar practically sealed their victory. Off a corner by Gilmar, a bad clearance by Clive Spiteri gave David Alejandro Reano the chance to score from close range.

In the second half, Vittoriosa came out looking to get back into the match.

Goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi performed a great save when he denied Oscar Guerrero who had a shot from close range on the 52nd minute.

Vittoriosa were unlucky again on the 60th minute when Marcelo Pereira’s shot hit the woodwork.

Vittoriosa finally managed to score on the 69th minute. Off a cross by Guerrero, Marcelo Pereira beat goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi with his shot.

Naxxar managed to take control of the match to protect their lead and make sure they would be playing another season in the Premier League.

VITTORIOSA STARS Mario Muscat, Clive Brincat, Ousmane Sidibe, Carl Sammut (46′ Siraj Arab Eddin), Jose Filipe Aguiar, Marcelo Pereira, Luke Vella Critien, Oscar Dario Guerrero Alvarado, Leonardo Torri (68′ Francisco Arriagada Mella), Samir Arab (68′ Mark Barbara), Clive Spiteri.

Subs not used: Sean Cini, Michael Camilleri, Ryan Mifsud, Mark Barbara, Malcolm Buttigieg.

Coach: Oliver Spiteri

NAXXAR LIONS Julian Azzopardi, Raimi Bakare, Victor Bellia, Angus Buhagiar, Ryan Gilmour Cassar, Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro (90′ Milan Vignjevic), Daren Falzon, Thiago Lopes de Souza, David Alejandro Reano, Terence Scerri (82′ Duane Bonnici), Filip Stojanovic.

Subs not used: Luke Pecorella, Jurgen Debono, Andrew Decesare, Kurt Drago, Yaron Sammut.

Coach: Winston Muscat

Referee: Alan Mario Sant

Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Duncan Sultana

Additional Assistant Referees: Clayton Pisani, Fyodor Zammit

Fourth Official: Albert Borg Cardona

Yellow Cards: Samir Arab, Scerri, Bellia, Brincat, Stojanovic, Aguiar, Gilmar, Vella Critien, Pereira

Scorers: 16′ Gilmar da SIlva Ribeiro, 24′ Filip Stojanovic, 43′ David Alejandro Reano; 69′ Marcelo Pereira

BOV Player of the Match: Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro