G.F.A.
Cup Final
06-06-04
Zebbug Rovers 2 - Nadur Youngsters 4
Gozo Stadium
Match
report by Charlie Grech
Nadur
Youngsters managed to take some pride out of this season by winning the
G.F.A. Cup.
In the final they beat Champions Zebbug Rovers by 4 goals to 2.
It was sweet revenge (sportingly) for the Youngsters after 5
defeats at the hand of the Rovers, 3 times in the league and 2 in Cup
Finals this season. The injury problems that have been hitting the Nadur
side continued and for this match they were without the services of
Charles Hili. Zebbug were encouraged by a sizeable crowd and accompanied
by the band, (and for the first time they had 3 kites flying above the
pitch), while Nadur were supported by few true loyal supporters. Nadur
were under the guidance of Mark Buttigieg as he took the place of Kim
Wright, who had other appointments. The first moments of the game were
interesting and both sides looked aggressive.
Zebbug
had a clear chance when Eboh’s cross shot was going into the empty net
and M. Bonello hit his post when he tried to clear from the goalmouth. A
free kick by Touali went centimeters wide. Zebbug were a bit better at
this time of the match but Nadur managed to open the score, a bit
against the run of play. On the 19th minute a corner by A. Portelli was
met on the near post by Radivoj Panic who flicked the ball into the net
from a very narrow angle.
Nadur were gaining more confidence now and Zebbug kept trying to
get back on level terms. A couple of free kicks for Nadur, taken by
panic and Simoncic had not bothered Xuereb in the Zebbug goal. But two
minutes from half time Zebbug managed to get the equalizer. A cross from
the right by Cardona found Sylvan Galea’s who anticipated the hesitant
Falzon to head the ball into an empty net.
The
second half started well for Nadur and they regained the lead in the
54th minute. A good action between A. Portelli, Panic and Alexander
Simoncic ended with the latter firing a low shot into the bottom corner
of the Zebbug net. Nadur’s joy was short lived as only two minutes
later a free kick by Mahjoub Touali finished into the net after escaping
from Falzon’s hands. Nadur, in badly need of some success this season,
didn’t give up. They regrouped and showed their collective fighting
spirit and continued to attack the Zebbug goal. On the 68th minute they
were awarded a free kick on the left of the penalty area and Radivoj
Panic’s powerful shot ended behind Xuereb for the Youngsters third
lead, and his second goal of the day. With the score 3-2 for Nadur, the
game was getting a bit nervous and tension was building up in the ground
but referee Pisani was wise enough to control it with a few yellow cards
for both sides. On the 28th minute, Falzon made the best save of the
night when he tipped for a corner a tremendous shot by Leandro. Falzon
was called into action again soon after when he cleared first, a shot by
Eboh and in the same action he saved for a corner a shot by Galea.
In
the last few minutes Zebbug went all out for the equalizer and Nadur had
to defend with all their heart. Here my player of the match, Kevin
Buttigieg, showed why the Nadur clan kept faith in this youngster. He
didn’t make a foot wrong. With Zebbug attacking all out, their
goalkeeper in the center circle, on the 94th minute, Nadur
sealed this very important victory. A fast counter attack and Chris
Camilleri lobbed the ball over Xuereb for a 4-2 win for Nadur. This
merited victory was a just reward for the effort done by this young team
this season. After the match the G.F.A. President Mr. Joseph Cordina
assisted by G.F.A. Secretary Mr. Alvin Grech presented the medals to
both sets of players and the G.F.A. Cup to Nadur’s Player / President
Joseph Portelli, who was playing his last game for Nadur as he has
called it a day. This was Nadur’s sixth triumph in the G.F.A. Cup.
They have contested 11 finals, the last 3 of them consecutive.
CONGRATULATIONS
to ALL the Nadur Youngsters team, committee and supporters, but mostly a
Big Thank You to President, player and sponsor Joseph Portelli.
Referee:
Clayton Pisani
The Nadur Youngsters Formation: Justin Falzon; Jeffrey Meilak; Kevin Buttigieg; Brian Portelli; Alexander Simoncic; Mario Bonello; Anthony Portelli; Paul Camilleri; Joseph (pb) Portelli (Aaron Camilleri); Panic Radivoj; Chris Camilleri.
