Friday 28 December 2012

Gozo edge Cilento in Mediterranean Sea showdown

Gozo secured victory by the narrowest of margins in Xewkija on Friday night after a slim 1-0 win over fellow N.F.-Board members Cilento.
Winners...Gozo (in blue) got the only goal

The Italian side are still waiting for their 1st international goal but the Gozitans will be delighted in keeping a clean sheet, something they had never previously achieved, as they made it 2 straight international wins. The opening period was cagey with the hosts the more positive side. Stoyko Sakaliev went close on a couple of occasions for the islanders. At the other end U.S Agropoli striker Vincenzo Margiotta saw his long-range effort turned behind by Nadur Youngsters goalkeeper Mark Grima. In the 40th minute Gozo were awarded a penalty but, after the referee ordered the effort to be retaken, Lorenzo Margiotta pulled off a fine save to deny Chris Camilleri from the spot kick.

Gozo continued to press in the 2nd half but struggled to break down the resolute Cilento defence. Michael Bezzina and Sakaliev were denied by the impressive Margiotta. The hosts eventually took the lead in the 69th minute when Milos Stojanovic fired beyond Margiotta after a corner wasn't dealt with by Cilento. After the goal the game turned scrappy and with 10 minutes to go Gozo's defender Peter Buttigieg was shown red, and in the 83rd minutes Salento midfielder Francesco Santosuosso was denied by Grima as the hosts held on for the win.

As part of the 4 team Gozo Cup Cilento will now take on Maltese Premier League side Mosta in the 3rd-place match on Sunday. Their conquerors Valetta meet Gozo in the final. 

Match information -

Score: Gozo 1 - 0 Cilento

Goals: Milos Stojanovic 69'

Gozo XI: Grima; Xerri, P. Buttigieg, D. Stojanovic; F. Camilleri, Simonic, Attard [Bezzina 46'], M. Stojanovic; C. Camilleri [Ganchev 46'], R. Buttigieg, Sakaliev [Portelli 80'].

Cilento XI: L. Margiotta; Bufano, Fiorillo, Mirra, Finaldi; Russo [Santosuosso 70'], Cauceglia [Cascone 80'], Bevilacqua, Orrico; V. Margiotta [De Santi 88'], Serrapere.

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