Independence Cup Quarter-Final

Nadur Youngsters - 3 vs Ghajnsielem - 0 aet

by Saviour Attard -

Nadur Youngsters kicked off their new season in brilliant fashion, beating rivals Għajnsielem 3-0 at the Sannat Ground last Sunday. The two new foreigners for the Youngsters, Claudio Antunes and Kyle Russell both marked the score sheet and Josef Buttigieg sealed the issue near the end. Nadur will now face the winner of Sannat vs Kercem for the Semi final of the Independence Cup.The game turned out to be a nervy contest that saw a player sent off for each side. An extremely hot afternoon sun and a very strong wind left a huge impact on the match. In the first half Nadur won several set pieces but Għajnsielem’s defense managed to neutralize without difficulty. Nadur’s first real chance fell on their new signing Claudio Antunes  just  a few  minutes before half time when the Brazilian pounced on over a  bad clearance from Ferdinando  Apap and saw his shot ending high over the bar and  the score ended goalless in the first half.

The Second half was more dynamic and provided more chances for both sides. Nadur threated first after 57 minutes when Josef Buttigieg was released in the box by Russell and managed to beat keeper Grech but not Martin Cremona who managed to clear the ball. The blacks should have opened the score after 66 minutes when Marcos Aurelio entered the Nadur area and tried to lob over keeper Sultana who managed to block partially. The ball fell in Kenneth Mercieca’s territory. His shot was destined to the back of the net but Peter Buttigieg turned up to be the saviour for the whites as he cleared off the fatal line. At the 80th minute Nadur finished with ten men when the same Buttigieg was sent off for a retaliation on Mercieca.This demoralized Nadur who had also  Charles Hili  substituted due to injury. Coach Geovan Bugeja was forced to put Saviour Attard in the defense along with Jeffrey Meilak, Mario Portelli and Ryan Meilak. Għajnsielem should have won it three minutes before the end through an effort by Joseph Attard that was again blocked by Steve Sultana.Tention started to mount up as both sides were afraid of conceding the goal that would practically decide the match. Four minutes over the regular time Għajnsielem’s centre back Martin Cremona was also given his marching orders by referee Saviour Tanti who blew the final whistle few seconds after sending the match in extra time.

Nadur came out more composed in the extra time and managed to break the deadlock in the third minute. Claudio Antunes entered the Għajnsielem area and his fierce shot was handled by Brian Meilak. Meilak appeared to prevent the ball from hitting his face but the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Antunes coolly converted from the spot to give Nadur the lead.  The same Brazilian was again dangerous in the 101st minute but his overhead kick was well saved. However Nadur managed to wrap up the victory in the 117th minute when Alex Simoncic’s concluded a fine run in the box with an assist to Kyle Russell who simply had to tap in the ball. Errol Grima was close to grab a consolation for Għajnsielem when his free kick hit the foot of the post.Nadur managed to score again just before the end of extra time when Josef Buttigieg beat the offside trap to march in the opposition’s  box and  and concluded past the black’s keeper. This was the icing on the cake for the young Nadur squad amongst the cheers of the extremely delighted fans at the Sannat ground.

Sunday, 6th September 2009 at 17:00 p.m.
Referee: Saviuor Tanti
Skorers: Claudio Antunes 94' pen., Kyle Russell 117', Josef Buttigieg 120+1'
Nadur Formation: Steve Sultana, Mario Portelli, Peter Buttigieg, Charles Hili (Ryan Meilak), Alex Simoncic, Josef Buttigieg,
Anthony Portelli, Saviour Attard, Kyle Russell, Claudio Antunes.