Naxxar prevail in important win over Qormi

Naxxar Lions registered an important victory over direct relegation rivals Qormi with Jesmond Zerafa administering a win over his ex-team in a morale boosting win.

For Qormi this was big set- back in their hopes of avoiding relegation and Mark Miller’s men now seem destined to remain in the mix for the drop for the remainder of the season.

Naxxar needed just two minutes to go in front when Mattia Del Negro’s cross caught Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia out of his place with the ball finishing into the top corner of the net.

Qormi responded on 14 minutes when Leighton Grech sped clear on the left and turned past Ibok Edet before teeing up Nilsson whose effort was deflected to a corner.

From the resulting kick, the ball fell to Pisani who shot wide.

Qormi finally drew level on 48 minutes when Marcelinho gained possession on the edge of the area before sending a teasing cross towards Nilsson who slotted past Azzopardi.

The Lions were rattled and three minutes later Marcelinho again put Nilsson clear but the Swedish striker was brought down by Azzopardi with Arciola pointing to the spot.

However, the Naxxar goalkeeper soon made amends when he dived to his right to block Nilsson’s shot.

Six minutes later Leighton Grech dashed into the area but his curling drive finished just over.

But it was Naxxar who struck a second goal on 68 minutes when from a corner action, Gilmar’s cross completely surprised Farrugia with the ball finishing into the net.

The woodwork denied Naxxar a third goal when Gilmar’s cross was deviated by a Qormi defender with the ball coming off the bar.

At the other end Nilsson’s volley was diverted away by Azzopardi.

BOV Man of the Match: Julian Azzopardi