Gudja U 3

Dingli S 2

After stunning Vittoriosa Stars last week, newly promoted Gudja United notched their second consecutive victory beating a sorry Dingli Swallows side, who slumped to their third consecutive defeat.

It was deserved victory for Gudja who showed the better ideas especially in the second half where they completely dominated. Dingli had some good moments in the first half but faded away completely in the second, even though they made a last ditch effort to save the match.

The match had a very slow start with both sides unable to lift their level of play. Gudja were more determined in the opening stages even going close with an Aleksandrov header sailing over the bar.

Dingli came to life half way through the first half with a Kurt Formosa effort and with a Senior David header that was blocked but goalkeeper Xerxen. On 27 minutes Ryan Sell’s grounder went wide for Gudja.

On 28 minutes Gudja goalkeeper Xerxen blocked a fierce drive from Rio Micallef and on the other end, Aleksandrov missed a sitter in front of goal when he headed weakly with only Farrugia to beat.

On 31 minutes Gudja forged ahead when Ivan Kurtusic floated a good freekick towards Aleksandrov who headed towards Ryan Sell who hammered the ball home from close range. Dingli had an impressive reaction as three minutes later they were back on level terms when Formosa’ cross was headed by Senior David towards Evair Grech who headed home the equalizer.

On the resumption Gudja were the better outfit and again took the lead on 52 minutes when the promising Peter Paul Sammut made his way inside the penalty area but was tripped by Rio Micallef. From the penalty spot Ivan Kurtusic made no mistake.

Gudja continued to play better with Dingli goalkeeper Farrugia always on the alert to block shots from Sammut and Karl Azzopardi. Fiften minutes from time Gudja put their minds at rest when Peter Paul Sammut again did all the running before passing towards Kiril Aleksandrov who fired in the top corner of the net.

Gudja were now all over their opponents in search of a fourth goal, but two minutes from time Dingli pulled one back when Evair Grech was again on hand to score his second goal of the day.

In the remaining minutes Dingli made desperate effort to save the match but newly promoted Gudja held well to grab the second consecutive victory.

Gudja U – M. Xerxen, E. Bugeja, A. Abela, F. Owusu, R. Buhagiar, K. Polidano (K. Bonello 61 min), I. Kurtusic, R. Sell (D. Bonnici 88 min), K. Azzopardi, K. Aleksandrov, P.P. Sammut (G. Chircop 83 min)

Dingli S – J. Farrugia, K. Pace (R. Vella 46 min), R. Briffa, R. Micallef, B. Guga, L. Konda, K. Formosa, S. David, E. Farrugia, E. Grech, L. Micallef (D. Cilia 63 min).

Referee – Fiodor Zammit