The Naxxar Victorians came running out of the blocks with one aim and achieved it as they went home with all three points on Saturday at the Marsaxlokk Grounds as they edged new boys Ta’ Xbiex AFC 1-0.
It was a solo goal by James Camilleri right after the change of ends which brought about the win for Frans Spiteri’s side but one can praise the collective effort shown by the Reds, who battled the rainy conditions and controlled the game.
vs 
Ta’ Xbiex AFCResults
| Club | Goals |
|---|---|
| Naxxar Victorians | 1 |
| Ta’ Xbiex AFC | 0 |
Details
| Date | Time | Season | Match Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2021 | 2:00 pm | 2020 Special League | 1 |
The Boys lined up with Kurt Aquilina, captaining the side on the day, as the one between the sticks. In front of him, Jake Agius and Matthew Gauci were the centre defensive wall, with Nathan Farrugia and Gonzalo Bueno covering the fullback positions. Jason Camilleri and Ian Ciantar filled the midfield with Clayton Falzon playing in front of them. Dale Cassar and James Camilleri ran the flanks as Thomas Francalanza took his place upfront.
Right from the outset, the Victorians looked for their go-ahead goal and went close on multiple occasions, with shots going wide. Ta’ Xbiex responded with a shot from distance which Aquilina rose to push over the bar for a corner. The latter was forced into action another time as from a cross on the left, the Victorians shot-stopper leapt in between the crowded area to collect and end the attack.
After the break, Spiteri introduced pacy winger Fabrizio Farrugia into the fray and this worked to the Reds’ advantage as only three minutes into the half, a ball on the right found James Camilleri who sped past his marker, crept into the area and fired past the Ta’ Xbiex goalkeeper.
With the lead in favour of the Victorians, Keith Zammit was brought on for Ian Ciantar in midfield to provide fresh legs in what was about to become a fight to build on that goal.
The Victorians dominated possession but it was Ta’ Xbiex who had the more dangerous attempt as a deflected shot dropped towards the top corner but again, Aquilina was on hand to parry and confirm with another save mid-air as a Ta’ Xbiex forward tried to head goalwards.
Naxxar had one final chance to close off the contest as James Camilleri once again entered the area. But this time, he laid the ball to Falzon who had little time to flick the ball in and ended up putting it wide.
The Naxxar Victorians now face San Giljan Saints in two weeks time on Matchday 2. They enter the fixture as leaders of the pack so far.
FORZA VICTORIANS!