Naxxar Victorians

The Naxxar Victorians could finally celebrate their first three points of the season on Saturday after a compact team performance earned them a 1-0 win over Zejtun Lacci, in what was a battle of the basement teams. 

Having been without a point in three games, coach Kyle Debono’s clan were at risk of getting even further demoralised. However, it was what Debono referred to as a game in which “they (players) played their heart out for the team” and this showed as the side got its first points and clean sheet.

“I knew we were going to win from our training sessions,” Debono told www.naxxarvictorians.com, “These last two weeks were different and they (players) took it to a whole new level. 

“What’s crazy is the different and real side of the boys which showed on the pitch. The defence was almost flawless, and when someone made a mistake somebody was already there to cover it up. That’s what a real team needs to do.”

1-0

The match on Saturday at the Santa Lucija grounds looked different from the start, as the Victorians kept possession mostly in the Zejtun half, with the latter only threatening from setpieces, forcing goalkeeper Kurt Aquilina into action twice. On the other end, Fabrizio Farrugia, Ian Ciantar, and James Pecorella all had chances of their own but were stopped at the death.

The second half was similar to the first, as midfield duo Luke Bugeja and Nathan Farrugia kept the side dominant throughout, with Clayton Falzon, Fabrizio Farrugia, and Ciantar pushing further forward. Forward Luke Mifsud contained the Zejtun defences as Fabrizio Farrugia’s runs brought his marker to his knees and after a throughball from Ciantar, the former fired in the game’s only goal.

“They showed character, and played their heart out for the team, whilst keeping their concentration throughout all the game,” Debono said. 

“The build-up play was much better than the last game and the clean sheet is a big bonus – we couldn’t have done it without our strong defence and our ‘keeper, who did not make one mistake and stopped a definite goal with a brilliant save at the end.”

Mid-table

The boys are now in mid-table with the three points earned from the Zejtun game, within a MAFA Division Two season that has been hotly contested so far. All teams are within a game or two of each other, bar Zebbug Youngsters and San Gwann ProAcademy who are top on 12 points.

“Going up from last place without a point to fifth is a big step to our goal, we hope that this win will help and motivate us. We tasted victory, and we want more,” Debono explained.

“As I have said previously, the team is ready to take on any challenge, and we will never give up!”

The Naxxar Victorians face Fgura Spartans next in MAFA Division Two.