Marsaxlokk 3

Gzira 2

After a troubled season in the Premier culminating in their relegation to the First Division, Marsaxlokk had a winning start in this category beating newly promoted Gzira United by the odd goal in five.

The ambitious Maroons came a cropper on their first match as this season’s championship is promising to be a very balanced affair. Gzira were stunned by two quick goals midway through the second half, and their recovery was a little too late.

Marsaxlokk were a surprise outfit, with Andre Grabowski and Rupert Mangion showing their worth. The South seasiders played their hearts out with goalkeeper Omar Borg alert in goal.

Marsaxlokk had a great start forging ahead after only five minutes play. Rupert Mangion floated a precise cross towards Andre Grabowski, and the ex-Floriana player showed all his worth when he chested the ball well and beat Agius with a great diagonal drive.

On 25 minutes Gzira had a glorious chance when Sharlon Pace passed towards the completely unmarked Steve Meilak who hesitated in front of Omar Borg and could only lob over the bar.

But seven minutes from time Gzira United were back on level terms when Steve Meilak was tackled inside the box by Kenneth Scicluna and from the resultant penalty Alfred Effiong’s shot was brilliantly saved by Omar Borg, but the Marsaxlokk custodian could not stop Effiong’s effort from the rebound with the ball finishing in the corner of the net.

On the resumption Gzira started like a house on fire with Marsaxlokk defending for long stretches. However goalkeeper Borg was never tested and on 62 minutes Marsaxlokk took the lead when Rupert Mangion’s freekick was met by Andre Grabowski whose powerful header finished at the back of the net.

Gzira had no time to recover as three minutes later Marsaxlokk increased their lead when Rupert Mangion scored direct from a freekick with his majestic effort finishing in the top corner of the net with Agius completely beaten.

Marsaxlokk controlled the match with relative ease, but five minutes from time Gzira were back in business when substitute Simon Shead fired in the top corner of the net. Gzira pushed everything forward in the remaining minutes but Omar Borg and the rest of his rearguard defended well to grab the first victory of the season.