The football season in Gozo kicked-off towards the end of last week with the quarter-finals of the First Division Knock-Out and the Second Division Knock-Out.

Kercem Ajax, Nadur Youngsters, Xewkija Tigers and Oratory Youths secured a place in the semi-finals of the First Division Knock-Out after emerging as winners in the four quarter-finals.

Champions Xewkija beat newly-promoted St. Lawrence Spurs 4-1. Dene Shields put Xewkija ahead on 12 minutes but William Barbosa levelled matters three minutes later. Miroslav Gegic made it 2-1 for the Tigers on 64 minutes before Chris Camilleri scored twice on 73 and 91 minutes.

Nadur beat Vitoria Hotspurs 2-1. Joseph Grima and Claudio Antunes put the Youngsters two goals ahead between the 37th and 42nd minute with Rodney Buttigieg scoring a consolation goal six minutes from time.

Anderson Mendes Ribeiro was the hero for Kercem Ajax as he notched a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over SK Victoria Wanderers. He scored on 33, 51 and 60 minutes with Malcolm Vella adding a fourth goal on the 68th.

In another match, Oratory Youths needed extra-time to eliminate Sannat Lions. Shaun Attard scored the all-important goal on the 112th minute.

Meanwhile in the Second Division Knock-Out, Xaghra United defeated Munxar Falcons 2-0 while Qala Saints defeated Gharb Rangers on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the end of extra-time.