Naxxar Lions prevail in derby of the North; move to seventh

Naxxar Lions managed to win the derby of the North with a 2-1 victory over neighbouring rivals Mosta, moving up to seventh in the process.

This was a positive result for the lions after losing to Birkirkara in their last outing.  On the other end, Mosta who were lacking Tyrone Farrugia and Manolito Micallef at the back, remain in fourth on twenty points.  Mosta failed to close the gap on third placed Birkirkara.

Naxxar Lions created the first goal scoring opportunity early on in the match when after a good pass by Cassar, Vella saw his attempt safely turned into a corner by Mosta keeper Borg.  Three minutes later, the lions forged ahead through the dangerous Gilmar from a direct free kick.

Mosta equalised three minutes into the second half thanks to another brilliant free kick by Kaljevic giving the naxxar custodian no chance.  Mosta went close to gaining the lead in the 51st minute but this time Azzopardi got to the ball before the Mosta attacker.

On the 67th minute, Gueye went close for Naxxar but his attempt was confidently saved by Borg.  On the 72th minute, Naxxar scored what was to be the winning goal in a much awaited derby.  From a corner taken by Gilmar, it was substitute Gueye who headed the ball into the net to give the lions an important morale boosting victory over their rivals.

Gilmar Ribeiro was Voted BOV player of the match.  

Naxxar: Azzopardi, Scicluna (Debono 86’), Edet, Vella (Fenech 84’), Falzon (Bellia 87’), Da Silva Ribeiro, Cassar, Doffo, Buhagiar, Mbachu (Gueye 62’), Edafe

Mosta: Borg, Rodriguez, Ekani, Brincat, Borg, Falzon (Jovanovic 46’), Magro, Grech (Zammit 90’), Ribeiro dos Santos, Milovanovic, Pulo, Kaljevic

Referee: Sandro Spiteri