Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/506094
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 MAY 2015 33 Sport FOOTBALL SPORTTODAY Naxxar beat Sliema in dramatic style in entertaining high scoring match Naxxar Lions ............. 4 Sliema Wanderers ..... 3 EDWARD FALZON NAXXAR Lions and Sliema Wan- derers gave the few present at the Hibernians Stadium something to enjoy in a highly entertaining match with the Lions edging their opponents 4-3 in dramatic fash- ion. After finding themselves two goals down, Naxxar looked des- tined to be involved in the relega- tion battle for the last two fixtures, but a miraculous turnaround saw Jesmond Zerafa's men overcome their opponents. As things stand, the Lions' future with the big boys is almost secured for another sea- son. For the Blues it was another day at the Stadium with nothing to play for except to see out the re- maining fixtures and consolidate their sixth place in the table. Naxxar were the first to score, taking the lead on 23 minutes when off a Gilmar corner, Daren Falzon crossed the ball again in the direction of Andrew Scicluna who rose above the opponents' defence to head the ball into the net. Ten minutes later Sliema were awarded a penalt y after Aiden Friggieri was brought down in the box by defender Ryan Cassar. From the spot, Andrea Pisanu made no mistake to make it 1-1. On 38 minutes the blues went ahead when in a swift counter attacking move, Pedro Calcado beat the Naxxar keeper from close range after being served by Ribei- ro. In the second half, Sliema looked to be in control after having most of the possession for the opening minutes of the half. In fact, they managed to score a third on 57 minutes when in an excellent combination between Muscat, Friggieri and Calcado, the promising Friggieri beat Azz- opardi with a well executed drive. It looked to be a shocking result and performance for Naxxar un- til they threatened to get back in the game when Ibok Edet hit the crossbar after a Gilmar corner kick. One minute later however the Lions were back in it when Demba Toure converted a penalt y after Jorge Santos was fouled in the box. On 63 minutes it was level again when the tireless Gilmar released Santos who beat Zammit with a low drive. Just six minutes from full time, Naxxar scored what was to be the goal that secured their Premier league status. Potezica brought down Terrence Vella in the box with referee Mario Apap ordering the second penalt y for the Lions. From the spot, Vella struck the ball into the net to make it 4-3. Naxxar; Azzopardi, Scicluna, Edet, Toure (Temille 63'), Falzon (Vella 63'), Gilmar, Cassar, Dof fo, Fenech (Del Negro 63'), Buhagiar, Santos Silva Sliema; Zammit, A.Muscat, Scoz- zese, Mintof f, Pisanu (Cilia 68'), Gatt Baldacchino, Ribeiro, Pote- zica, Frig gieri, Calcado (Mifsud 81'), B.Muscat (Obaghemiro 90') Referee: Mario Apap Yellow Cards; Gatt Baldacchino, Buhagiar, Calcado, Scozzese, A. Muscat Man of the Match: Aiden Frig gieri