San Ġiljan are one win away from reclaiming the Premier League title after defeating rivals Neptunes 17-14 in a dramatic final opener settled by penalties.
The Saints built what looked like a decisive three-goal cushion in the third session, but Neptunes rallied in the final quarter through Gergo Zalanki to force a 13-13 draw at full time.
In the penalty shoot-out, goalkeeper Jake Tanti rose to the occasion with two crucial saves as San Ġiljan prevailed 4-1 from the spot, giving them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Neptunes’ frustrations deepened late on when skipper Stevie Camilleri was dismissed for dissent, compounding their defeat.
Score by Session
(4-5, 4-3, 4-1, 1-4; penalties 4-1)
Penalty Shoot-Out
-
N. Zammit (SĠ) scored – 1-0
-
Zalanki (N) scored – 1-1
-
J. Abela (SĠ) scored – 2-1
-
Gialanze (N) saved – 2-1
-
Younger (SĠ) scored – 3-1
-
Valletta (N) saved – 3-1
-
J. Bonavia (SĠ) scored – 4-1
Scorers
San Ġiljan: Aaron Younger 4, Ben Plumpton 3, Jake Bonavia 2, Nikolai Zammit 2, Matthew Zammit 1, Darren Zammit 1.
Neptunes: Gergo Zalanki 6, Sam Gialanze 3, Alec Fenech 2, Luigi Mallia 1, Julian Valletta 1.
Final Score: San Ġiljan 17 – Neptunes 14
Referees: Raffaele Colombo, Ronnie Spiteri
Bogdanovic Leads Marsaxlokk MFF to Victory over Otters Nivea
Marsaxlokk MFF powered past Otters Nivea with a 17–11 win, thanks to a commanding seven-goal performance from Nikola Bogdanovic.
The match saw Marsaxlokk establish control early on and maintain their advantage, with Bogdanovic proving unstoppable in front of goal. He was well supported by Max Lanzon, Andreas Fava, and Alistair Cook, who all grabbed braces, while Ryan Galea, Sean Mifsud, Jack Pawley, Jamie Borg Tabone, and Benji Lewis also found the net.
For Otters Nivea, Serbian sharpshooter Drasko Gogov kept his team in contention with five goals, while captain Matthew Xerri’s side also had Philip Tabone scoring twice, and CJ Saliba, Kenneth Micallef, David Dimech, and Luigi Dimech adding one apiece.
Despite a spirited effort, Otters Nivea could not match the depth of Marsaxlokk’s attacking options, with the winners converting crucial chances at key moments.
Scorers
Marsaxlokk MFF (17): Nikola Bogdanovic 7, Max Lanzon 2, Andreas Fava 2, Alistair Cook 2, Ryan Galea 1, Sean Mifsud 1, Jack Pawley 1, Benji Lewis 1.
Otters Nivea (11): Drasko Gogov 5, Philip Tabone 2, CJ Saliba 1, Kenneth Micallef 1, David Dimech 1, Luigi Dimech 1.
Final Score: Marsaxlokk MFF 17 – Otters Nivea 11
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
Leave a Reply