Naxxar beat Sliema in dramatic style in entertaining high scoring match

Naxxar Lions and Sliema Wanderers gave the few present at the Hibernians Stadium something to smile about after a highly entertaining match with the Lions edging their opponents 4-3 in dramatic fashion.

After finding themselves two goals down, Naxxar were surely destined to be involved in the relegation battle for the last two fixtures, but a miraculous turnaround saw jesmond’s Zerafa’s men overcome their opponents.  As things stand, the lions’ future with the big boys is almost secured for another season.

For the Blues it was another day at the Stadium with nothing to play for except to see out the remaining fixtures and consolidate their sixth place in the table.

Naxxar were the first to score, taking the lead on 23 minutes when off a Gilmar corner, Daren Falzon crossed the ball again in the direction of Andrew Scicluna who rose above the opponent’s defense to heat the ball into the net.

Ten minutes later Sliema were awarded a penalty after Aiden Friggieri was brought down into the box by defender Ryan Cassar.  From the spot, Andrea Pisanu made no mistake to make it 1-1.

On 38 minutes the blues went ahead when in a swift counter attacking move, Pedro Calcado beat the Naxxar keeper from close range after being served by Ribeiro.

In the second half, Sliema looked to be in control after having most of the possession for the opening minutes of the half.

In fact, they managed to score a third on 57 minutes when in an excellent combination between Muscat, Friggieri and calcado, the promising Friggieri beat Azzopardi with a well executed drive.

It looked to be a shocking result and performance for Naxxar until they threated to get back in the game when Ibok Edet hit the crossbar after a Gilmar corner kick.

One minute later however the Lions were back in it when Demba Toure converted a penalty after Jorge Santos was fouled in the box.

On 63 minutes it was level again when the tireless Gilmar released Santos who beat Zammit with a low drive.

Just six minutes from full time, Naxxar scored what was to be the goal that secured their Premier league status Potezica brought down Terrence Vella in the box with referee Mario Apap ordering the second penalty for the Lions.  From the spot, Vella struck the ball into the net to make it 4-3.

Referee: Mario Apap

Man of the Match: Aiden Friggieri