Xewkija defeat opens wide race for the title

A shock defeat for leaders Xewkija Tigers opened wide the race for the title in the BOV Gozo Football League First Division and now just two points separate the top three teams with the Tigers leading the way on 41, followed by Nadur on 40 and Ghajnsielem on 39.

Victoria Hotspurs, in fact came from behind to beat Xewkija 3-2 at the Gozo Stadium on Sunday. Thiago Melo Dos Santos put Xewkija ahead on the 22nd minute and although Mark Camilleri levelled matters on the 26th, a penalty by the Brazilian three minutes from the end of the first half restored the lead. However the Hotspurs had other thoughts and equalised through Henrique Maciel on the 68th and four minutes later, Mark Camilleri notched the winner.

Nadur Youngsters condemned Xaghra United to Division 2 after beating them 8-0 in another match on Sunday. Goals by Claudio Antunes on the 15th and 29th and another by Milos Stojanovic on the 26th gave the Youngsters a comfortable lead in the first half. In the second half, they added another five goals thanks to a brace by Joseph Grima on the 52nd and 55th, a brace by Dewide dos Santos on the 61st and 91st and a goal by Michael Paul Camilleri on the 67th.

On Friday, Ghajnsielem defeated SK Victoria Wanderers 1-0 thanks an unfortunate own goal by SKVW goalkeeper Matthew Towns on the 38th minute while Oratory Youths beat Kercem Ajax 2-1 thanks to goals by Bartomeu Perello Palou on the hour and Paul Said on the 77th after Andrew Mizzi had put Kercem ahead six minutes in the second half.

Meanwhile in the BOV Gozo Football League Second Division, Gharb Rangers defeated Sannat Lions 2-1 at the Sannat Ground. Sunday Baala put Sannat ahead on the 20th but Dylan Bellotti equalised just before half-time and Andrew Ofulue handed them the three points on the 56th minute.

In another match, goals by Mohammed Senussi Telessi on the 34th and Charlon Tabone four minutes later gave St. Lawrence Spurs a 2-0 win over Munxar Falcons.