Naxxar beat Zebbug in dull match

Naxxar Lions came from behind to beat Zebbug Rangers 2-1 in a match void of attacking ideas.  Following this win, Naxxar move on level points with neighbouring rivals Mosta on 14 points, while Zebbug remain in tenth place on 12 points.

Ironically, in what was a highly dull start to the game, it was the Rangers who managed to take the lead but Naxxar’s experience prevailed as they scored twice in the second half to secure an important three points.

In fact Zebbug opened the score on the 32nd minute when off a Mattias Muchardi freekick from the right, Thomas Paris hit the upright and off the rebound, Matthew Bartolo placed the ball at the back of the net.

Naxxar scored their equalising goal from a very debateable penalty when Brasilian Gilmar entered the penalty area and was brought down by Zebbug defender Yessous Camilleri.  Despite the Zebbug players contesing the decision, the referee stood by his decision to award a penalty.  From the kick, Gilmar made it 1-1.

On the 69th minute, the Lions forged ahead when Gilmar served Albert Bruce just outside the area and the latter passed the ball to Jorge Santos Silva who controlled before hitting low past Bartolo.

Six minutes later, Jorge Santos could have added another with a fine rising shot which however ended just over the bar.

Three minutes in added time, Julian Azzopardi stopped Zebbug from equalising, performing a great save into a corner on a Carlo Monti freekick.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

BOV Man of the Match: Gilmar Ribeiro