SANNAT LIONS FC ...

Nadur Youngsters obtained the points that they needed from their penultimate match of the championship so that they defended their four point lead over Victoria Hotspurs and are mathematically sure of the title.  This is the third consecutive title won by Nadur and the tenth in their history.  The Youngsters were determined to make up for the disappointing result obtained in the previous match when they were held to a draw by Qala St. Joseph.  They were well deployed and as usual they dictated matters for long stretches.  Nadur also created a number of scoring opportunities which could have secured the victory at an earlier stage of the match.  Sannat tried to produce resistance to the Youngsters and were practically in contention up to seven minutes from the final whistle.

Nadur increased pressure and one minute later a long ranged shot by Chris Camilleri ended just over the crossbar and later goalie Demis Bajada saved well an attempt by Alex Simoncic who was unmarked in the area by Anthony Portelli.  In the 23^rd minute Nadur’s Nkwankwo headed badly from an ideal position following a cross by Anthony Portelli.  Nadur opened the score in the 29^th minute through a close ranged header by Eric Nkwankwo following a corner kick by Alex Simoncic. 

In the 34^th minute Sannat’s goalie Demis Bajada made the best save of the evening to turn in corner a strike by Joseph Portelli.  Two minutes later the Lions lost a good opportunity to level the score when Kenneth Mercieca entered the area but from his pass Fernando de Andrade concluded incredibly wide from an ideal position.  The same de Andrade entered the area with a solo action in the 39^th minute but his low shot was saved in corner by the goalkeeper.  One minute later Nadur’s Jerrey Meilaq headed over the crossbar a free kick by Chris Camilleri.

The Lions were again close to level the score in the 2^nd minute of the second period but a free kick by Cristiano de Oliveira hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.  Nadur replied one minute later with an attempt following a personal action by Joseph Portelli that was turned in corner by goalie Bajada.  From the resultant corner taken by Alex Simoncic a header by Anthony Portelli also hit the crossbar.  Nadur continued to have territorial command of play while Sannat operated with rare counter attacks.  The Youngsters doubled the score in the 62^nd minute. 

Alex Simoncic unmarked Eric Nkwankwo in the area but the latter had his shot partially saved by goalie Bajada.  Skipper Anthony Portelli was at the right place, took the lose ball and guided the ball easily into an open goal.  Sannat replied with an attempt by Paul Spiteri following a corner action that was saved by goalie Jonathan Xuereb. 

Sannat re-opened the issue in the 67^th minute.  Nadur’s rearguard cleared badly a cross from the right flank and Fernando de Andrade took advantage of the mishap and placed in goal from close distance.  Nadur replied three minutes later with a low angled shot by Joseph Portelli that defeated goalie Bajada but the ball hit the base of the second post. 

The Lions were also dangerous in the 71^st minute with an attempt from an angled position by Kenneth Mercieca that ended over the crossbar.  Nadur made sure of the victory in the 83^rd minute.  Eric Nkwankwo entered the area with a personal action on the right flank and from his low pass Joseph Portelli netted with a low shot from the second post.  In the 88^th minute Chris Camilleri sealed the issue with the fourth goal when he placed behind goalie Bajada following a solo action.

Referee: Andre’ Arciola 

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY

Copyright Philip Cassar