Naxxar L 1

Rabat A 2

A soft goal scored by Rabat’s best player Adam Smeir six minutes from time was enough for Rabat Ajax to beat Naxxar and return to winning form after their defeat against Zejtun. The victory puts Rabat back in second place, a mere point behind league leaders Pieta.

After a very slow start, the macth resulted in an interesting duel with Rabat having the edge thanks to that late goal. Naxxar deserved treatment for their efforts especially in the second half when they arguably played the better football.

For the Lions, Darren Falzon apart from a great goal scored, played another diligent match together with hard working captain Victor Bellia. In attack Boris Odwong was completely subdued and rarely had a glimpse of goal.

For Rabat, still without the injured Cornforth and the suspended Rustemi, Adam Smeir played another good match, crowning his performance with the winner scored after a Naxxar defensive lapse.

The first half was very short of scoring chances with the first attempt at goal resulting in Rabat’s goal on 33 minutes. Before this goal both goalkeepers were never called in action with Naxxar’s only attempt coming from a Boris Odwong header that went completely off target.

Rabat took the lead with a good move by Adam Smeir who penetrated the penalty area down the left flank and crossed in the centre where Justin Felice darted in and fired in the roof of the net.

Minutes later Rabat went close to a second goal when Yan Cauchi passed toards Adam Smeir whose first timer hit the side netting. Naxxar advanced in the last minutes of the first half but were never dangerous in front of goal.

In the second half Naxxar were more aggressive and drew level on 52 minutes when Fiori Dos Santos crossed from the left and Darren Falzon rose beautifully to head home in the top corner.

The match now sprang to life as both sides increased their tempo. On 62 minutes Boris Odwong went close for Naxxar with a shot from the edge of the area. Three minutes later a Darren Falzon freekick created panic in the Rabat defence and Victor Bellia tested Mintoff from an acute angle.

On 69 minutes Edilson Fiori Dos Santos tested Mintoff who dived to turn the ball into a corner. Ten minutes from time Rabat’s chance through Adam Smeir who tested Spiteri.

Six minutes from time Rabat took the lead when a Ryan Micallef pass was not intercepted by goalkeeper Spiteri and defender Lydon Micallef who blocked each other leaving the bal to Adam Smeir who scored in an empty net.

A minute later Naxxar almost drew level but Naxxar goalkeeper Mintoff saved a De Lima Seueira point blank shot.

Naxxar L. J. Spiteri, V. Bellia, M. Del Negro, D. Falzon, A. Farrugia, R. Schembri, L. Micallef, A. Attard, H. De Lima Siqueira (R. De Sousa), E. Fiori Dos Santos (M. Maccari), B. Odwong.

Rabat A S. Mintoff, N. Caruana, C. Schembri, J. Caruana, J. Felice (D. Azzopardi), A. Smeir, D. Falzon, C. Muscat, W. Caushi (R. Micallef), Y. Cauchi, C. Gauci (A. Zahra).

Referee Mario Apap