Maxuell Samurai paves the way for comfortable Gzira win

New recruit Maxuell Maia da Silva scored after just three minutes to pave the way for a comfortable 4-0 win for Gzira United over Senglea Athletic at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday.

Gzira therefore returned to winning ways, following the draw to Birkirkara in their last outing, to move fourth. Senglea, on the other hand, remain anchored at the bottom of the table as they suffered the eleventh defeat in thirteen matches.

Apart from Maxuell Samurai, Karl Pulo was making his first appearance for the Maroons after spending the first four months on loan with Tarxien. Senglea had Sergio Uyi, Dion Fava and substitute goalkeeper Andrew Zammit making their debut.

The Maroons had a perfect start, taking the lead after just three minutes when off a Correa corner from the right, there was a deflection and Maxuell Maia da Silva headed home from close range.

Ricardo Calixto Correa doubled the score on the 37th minute when he received an assist by Martin Davis and beat goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia with a well-placed shot from outside the area.

Two minutes later, Jefferson de Assis made it 3-0 when he flicked the ball home following a cross by Maxuell from the right.

Gzira scored the fourth goal on the 65th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Maxuell was brought down inside the area by Sergio Uyi and from the penalty spot, Martin Davis converted.

GZIRA Justin Haber, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz (77′ Karl Pulo), Steve Borg, Nikolai Muscat, Martin Davis, Nevin Portelli (63′ Omar Elouni), Maxuell Maia da Silva (77′ Andrew Cohen), Jackson Mendoza (69′ Clyde Borg), Ricardo Correa Duarte, Sacha Borg, Jefferson de Assis (63′ Dexter Xuereb).
Subs not used: Anthony Curmi, Raphael Kooh Sohna.
Coach: Darren Abdilla
Asst. Coach: Andrew Cohen

SENGLEA Matthew Farrugia (77′ Andrew Zammit), Sergio Uyi, Zachary Cassar, Alan Abela, Igor Misan (70′ David Xuereb), Luis Carlos Riascos (70′ Dion Fava), Daneel Abela (55′ Firas Aboulezz), Andre Scicluna, Dibola Diwoto Junior, Dejan Kukic (46′ Jan Tanti), Wilkerson Gomes.
Subs not used: Joseph Attard, Freud Gnindokponou.
Coach: Clive Mizzi
Asst. Coach: Ryan Newell

Referee: Daniel Portelli
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Thomas Debono
Fourth Official: Darryl Agius
Yellow Cards: Riascos, Cassar
BOV Player of the Match: Maxuell Maia da Silva