ZEJTUN 0 – 1 GUDJA

Gudja United got a minimal 1-0 win against Zejtun Corinthians, with their hero being Yuri de Jesus Messias again, scoring the only goal of the game to strengthen his place at the top of the list of scorers, with five goals. Gudja United now share second place in the standings along with Sliema Wanderers.

All in all, it was a balanced match with the result being able to go either way, although Gudja created more scoring opportunities. On the other hand, Zejtun, who were making their debut at the National Stadium, had their positive moments and were very unfortunate that they did not get the draw towards the end of the match.

Gudja United started out very aggressive and after only three minutes, an insidious free-kick by Yuri De Jesus Messias was deflected into a corner by an opposing defender. They continued to press and seven minutes later, Gabriel Mensah had a good shot that ended high. After fifteen minutes the Corinthians responded with a powerful shot by Jurgen Suda which was saved by goalkeeper Glenn Zammit.

In the 31st minute, Gudja were very unlucky not to open the score when from an insidious free-kick by Messias, the ball hit the post and went wide.

The match continued to be a busy one with both teams very close to each other, and in the 41st minute, Rafael de Fex for Zejtun saw his conclusion end high.

In the second half, Gudja became more adventurous, and in the 51st minute, Justin Grioli had a powerful shot saved with difficulty by goalkeeper Christian Cassar. Gudja continued to dominate and in the 76th minute Zejtun goalkeeper Cassar saved a powerful Messias freekick.

After repeated attempts at goal, at the 82nd minute, Yuri de Jesus Messias gave Gudja their precious three points when from a Mensah’s right cross he shot the ball in the corner of the net.

The Corinthians did their best to level the score and were unlucky not to do so when five minutes later, Ricardo Faria was denied the lead by hitting the post.

FORMATION:

Glenn Zammit, Yuri de Jesus Messias, Aidan Jake Friggieri (78′ Augusto Rene Caseres), Llywelyn Cremona, Gabriel Mensah (83′ Terence Vella), Imanol Gonzalez Benac, Hubert Vella (45′ James Brincat), Goran Adamovic (46′ Jurgen Farrugia), Juan Andres Bolanos, Justin Grioli, Patrick Silva Mota.
Subs not used: Jamie Azzopardi, Lee Pisani, Tensior Gusman.

Coach: Jesmond Zammit

Referee: Darryl Agius
Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, James Muscat
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Source: Cris Muscat (inewsmalta.com)