BOV Third Division: Naxxar, Zejtun cross swords in decider

Naxxar Lions and Zejtun Corinthians face each other this evening in a decider for the first place in Section B of the BOV Third Division at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 19:00. The winner will secure automatic promotion to Division 2.

The two teams ended their commitments as joint-leaders on 46 points. Both started the season as the main challengers for promotion although were quite unlucky to be drawn in the same section.

After being relegated from Division 2 at the end of last season, Naxxar Lions were strengthened with the return of a number of players who were on loan with other clubs. On the other hand, following the amalgamation between Zejtun Corinthians and Zejtun Red Stars, the Corinthians managed to attract several highly-experience players to the club.

After being relegated from Division 2 at the end of last season, Naxxar Lions were strengthened with the return of a number of players who were on loan with other clubs. On the other hand, following the amalgamation between Zejtun Corinthians and Zejtun Red Stars, the Corinthians managed to attract several highly-experience players to the club.

Under the guidance of coach Alex Delia, Naxxar lost the first league game against Gudja United but then bounced back with fine wins over Sta. Lucia and Kirkop United. The Lions then lost the direct clash with Zejtun but from then onwards, they claimed maximum points with eight wins in eight matches. On the other hand, the Corinthians, led by coach Edward Darmanin, are still unbeaten in Section B. They dropped the only points in three draws – two with Attard and another with Gudja.

Following a 3-3 draw in another top-of-the-table clash on March 21, both sides played another five matches, claiming maximum points.

The two teams met four times this season. Following a goalless draw in the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out, Naxxar beat Zejtun 3-2 in the National League 100 Anniversary Cup third round and then Zejtun defeated Naxxar 2-0 in the league first round match before the 3-3 draw in the second round.