Nadur Youngsters Dominate Oratory Youths in High-Scoring Encounter
Oratory Youths FC 3-7 Nadur Youngsters FC
Referee: Andrea Naudi
Gozo Football League leaders Nadur Youngsters FC continued their impressive run with a commanding 7-3 victory over bottom-placed Oratory Youths FC. A hat-trick from Rafael Conrado Prudente led the way as Nadur maintained their position at the top of the GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division standings.
The match saw an early breakthrough when Prudente converted a penalty in the 17th minute, setting the tone for Nadur’s dominant display. Just six minutes later, he doubled the lead with a clinical finish. Oratory’s Deison Arvey Cuero pulled one back in the 26th minute, but Brandon Said restored Nadur’s two-goal cushion just three minutes later.
The second half was all about Nadur’s relentless attack. Joseph Xerri (52’), Diego Pires Dall’Oca (62’), and Igor De Jesus De Santana (67’) all found the net, before Prudente completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute. Despite late consolation goals from Sean Attard (78’) and Julius Ifeanyi Offorzor (90+1’), Oratory were left without a point for the season.
Qala Saints Edge Xaghra United in Dramatic Comeback Win
Xaghra United FC 2-3 Qala Saints FC
Referee: Vladimir Rizoski
Qala Saints FC secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Xaghra United FC, keeping their title hopes alive in a thrilling encounter. Christian Mercieca proved to be the hero for Qala, scoring twice, including the match-winning goal.
Xaghra took an early lead in the 6th minute through Lucas Farrugia, but Qala responded swiftly with Igor Nedeljkovic equalizing in the 18th minute. The home side regained the advantage just a minute later when Junior Adenilson Ferreira Dos Santos scored an own goal, giving Xaghra a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The game turned in Qala’s favor in the second half. Mercieca leveled the score in the 62nd minute, before Xaghra’s Savio Galea was sent off in the 69th minute, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Qala quickly capitalized, with Mercieca scoring his second goal just two minutes later, securing a comeback victory for the visitors.
League Standings After Matchday 14
| # | Team | P | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nadur Youngsters FC | 12 | 28 |
| 2 | Qala Saints FC | 12 | 27 |
| 3 | Xaghra United FC | 12 | 21 |
| 4 | Xewkija Tigers FC | 12 | 17 |
| 5 | SK Victoria Wanderers FC | 12 | 16 |
| 6 | Ghajnsielem FC | 12 | 15 |
| 7 | Oratory Youths FC | 12 | 0 |
With just one point separating Nadur Youngsters and Qala Saints, the title race remains wide open. Meanwhile, Xaghra’s defeat sees them fall further behind, while Oratory Youths remain winless and bottom of the table after another heavy loss.
Upcoming Fixtures – Matchday 15
- Qala Saints FC vs. Xewkija Tigers FC
- SK Victoria Wanderers FC vs. Nadur Youngsters FC
- Oratory Youths FC vs. Ghajnsielem FC
With key clashes ahead, the next round of fixtures will be crucial in shaping the title race and relegation battle in the GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division.
