G.F.A. CUP
Semi-Finals
31-12-2003
Xaghra United 0 - Nadur Youngsters 1
Sannat Ground
by Charlie
Grech
Gozo Champions Nadur Youngsters ended the year 2003 in fine style as they registered another win, this time in the semi-finals of the G.F.A. Cup. They beat second division leaders, unbeaten in the league so far, by one goal.
The game, which started half an hour late without any reason given,
was played in strong wind at the Sannat ground which offers no
shelter to supporters. Nadur started facing the wind and they had a
very good first half. After only six minutes Nadur had the ball in
the net but was ruled out for a foul by Ihbeulu. Half way through
this half, the game was suspended for some minutes when it was
discovered that the net on the left posts was torn. Xaghra
United’s keeper Gauci was busy saving a series of shots and
corners. But he
distinguished himself by saving for a corner, a back header from his
team mate Sultana. For the Whites a M. Buttigieg’s header went
just over the post. On the 39th minute Nadur opened the score for
what proved to be the winning goal. A perfect pass from M. Marlow to
the onrushing Aloysius Ihbeulu whose shot on the run finished in the
bottom corner on Gauci’s right. Xaghra made no real reaction till
the end of this half, but came out more aggressive in the second
one. Nadur made two substitutions during half time. In the 50th
minute, Falzon went out for a high ball, which he missed, and three
Xaghra players were left with an open goal at their mercy. Somehow
they passed the ball between them and an offside position was
signaled. Surely a very good chance to equalize was lost. J.
Camilleri of Xaghra saw J. Falzon in the Youngsters goal making a
good save on his long range shot, by tipping the ball to the post
and over for a corner. Nadur were playing a dangerous game but
somehow managed to keep their goal intact.
M. Bonello cleared the ball off the line from a header by
Camilleri. In the final minutes Mark Marlow for Nadur and Xaghra’s
Captain Simon Sultana were sent off. In my opinion a yellow card
could have been more appropriate.
Marlow will miss the final of this competition against Zebbug
Rovers scheduled for the 31st March 2004.
This will be the second final contested by Nadur and Zebbug
after the Noel Vassallo Cup, which was won by Zebbug 3-0.
Referee: Paul Apap
The Nadur Youngsters' formation: Justin Falzon; Paul Camilleri (George Sultana); Mark Buttigieg; Charles Hili; Brian Portelli (Sam Anthony Cauchi); Mario Bonello; Keith Meilak; Mark Marlow; Aloysius Ihbeulu; Anthony Portelli; Mario Portelli.
