BLACKS' LATEST NEWS

Under/17 undone by late goal
May 1
Ghajnsielem's Under/17s were moments away from being crowned champions of their category, when Nadur shocked them with a breakaway goal, to win the final match of the championship pool 1-0 and thus force a decider. Ghajnsielem had the better start. Aided by a favourable breeze they forced a series of corners from one of which Ferdinando Apap headed down towards goal only to see Nadur's keeper save low. Gabriel Cordina was foiled by a courageous intervention from Nadur's keeper and Kenny Hili's effort from the rebound was blocked on to the upright. The Blacks had other half chances, while Nadur threatened mostly from free-kicks, which were neutralized by the towering Apap at the heart of Ghajnsielem's defence. A long range effort was deflected onto the Nadur crossbar and to a corner. Nadur were the better side in the second half, and they too hit the crossbar with Sammut beaten. Nadur's central defenders neutralized everything that the Blacks threw at them and Ghajnsielem never really looked like scoring in the second session. When they suffered the late goal, there would be no way back for the Blacks and referee George Portelli's final whistle left the two teams equal on points after the long, two-phase twelve-match season. More quality play from Ghajnsielem's hard workers, and more hard work from Ghajnsielem's quality players is all that will be demanded of the young Blacks in the rematch. The match was witnessed by numerous Blacks supporters; more fans will undoubtedly flock to watch the decider. Line-up: Richard Sammut, Carmel Vella (Justin Buttigieg), Luke Meilak, Larry Debono, Ferdinando Apap, Jason Vella, Adrian Cordina, Robert Grima (c), Robert Vassallo (Paul Dimech), Gabriel Cordina, Kenny Hili. Referee: George Portelli.  

Blacks book place in G.F.A. Cup semi-finals
April 26
Ghajnsielem F.C. beat Qala St. Joseph 2-1 on Sunday in a quarter-final tie for the G.F.A. Cup. Joseph Attard and Kenneth Mercieca scored for the Blacks, who will meet the winner of the quarter-final tie between Victoria Hotspurs and Zebbug Rovers. Blacks' line-up: Jonathan Xuereb, David Debattista, Frank Buttigieg, Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg (c), Brian Meilak, Kenneth Mercieca, Joseph Attard, Sarkis Goncalves, Alex Viana, Franklee Galea (Charlon Tabone).

Sannat Lions league champions
April 25
Sannat Lions have been crowned G.F.A. 1st division champions following their 2-0 win over S.K. Victoria Wanderers in the last match of the league season. This was Sannat's ninth league championship, but the first since 1989/90, when they celebrated the third championship in four years. Congratulations to Sannat Lions, and to the runners-up, the Blacks of Ghajnsielem, who made the title race interesting with a seven-game winning streak late in the season.

Blacks suffer serious setback
April 19
Ghajnsielem's title aspirations received a serious setback when they lost to Victoria Hotspurs 2-4. Joseph Attard gave the Blacks an early lead but Hotspurs turned the match completely around with goals scored by Jason Portelli and Martin Hanus, who notched a hat-trick. Kenneth Mercieca reduced the arrears late in the match. Sannat will be crowned G.F.A. 1st division champions with a draw or a win in their match against S.K. Victoria Wanderers.

Blacks' edge past Tigers
April 15
Ghajnsielem beat Xewkija Tigers 2-1 to move into the Quarter-finals of the G.F.A. Cup. Sarkis Goncalves from the penalty spot and Alex Viana scored two second half goals to turn the match in the Blacks' favour. Xewkija had taken a shock one-goal lead in the first half. Ghajnsielem will now play Qala St. Joseph. Blacks' Line-up: Joseph Grech, David Debattista, Charles Mercieca, Brian Meilak, Kenneth Mercieca, Martin Cremona, Sarkis Goncalves, Alex Viana (Stefan Azzopardi), Charlon Tabone (Joseph Attard), Joseph Buttigieg (Franklee Galea).

Miracle Blacks
April 11
Ghajnsielem secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Sannat Lions with a Joseph Buttigieg goal two minutes into injury time. Sannat had taken the lead through Sabri Rais ten minutes into the match. Franklee Galea equalized 25 minutes later. Joseph Grech saved a penalty taken by Sabri Rais early in the second half and had to be at his very best to keep the Blacks in the contest. Buttigieg sent Ghajnsielem's supporters, those at the Gozo Stadium and those listening around the world on the radio, into a state of delirium with a last gasp goal. Elvin Tabone and Miguel Refalo provided live, at times riveting, commentary of this nail biter on Ghajnsielem's ground-breaking radio station Radju Lauretana. The Blacks will take on Victoria Hotspurs in their next league match, and Sannat Lions will close the season with a clash against S.K. Victoria Wanderers. Should the two teams register the same result, a decider will be contested between Ghajnsielem and Sannat to determine the 2008/09 1st division champion. Blacks' Line-up: Joseph Grech, David Debattista, Frank Buttigieg, Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg (c), Brian Meilak, Kenneth Mercieca (Larry Buttigieg), Joseph Attard, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea (Martin Cremona).

Shoot straighter than before
April 10
Ghajnsielem are hours away (the beads of time pass slow) from the confrontation with long-time league leaders Sannat Lions. The Blacks' task is simple: win to bring the balance back. Three points will give Ghajnsielem a share of first place. A defeat will eliminate the Blacks, and a draw will merely delay Sannat's crowning. So all of Ghajnsielem is exhorting the Blacks to ride on and shoot straighter than before. Go Blacks, bring it back!

Stay the course
April 6
Ghajnsielem will play Sannat Lions on Saturday and with a win they will have clawed back an amazing nine points in seven matches, to gain a share of the lead of the Gozo 1st division. Quite a turnaround! How does a 2-6-2 team turn into an 8-6-2 legitimate title contender, riding a six-match winning streak and claiming 4 consecutive clean sheets? One can point to several factors with the location of emphasis heavily dependent on one's biases and perspective. There is, however, a common thread. Proceeding logically from the top one has to admire the perseverance of the committee lead by President Sammy Rapa, the conviction of coach Joe Grech, who stuck with a core of players and never lost belief that they would eventually produce the results and performances that his meticulous preparation merited, the maturity of the players, who overcame the palpable pressure heaped upon them by circumstance and started to express themselves in the second part of the season, and the unwavering support of the fans, who were the subject of derision for harbouring hopes of a shot at the title, hopes that were based on little more than mathematical chance. Stay the course!

Qala relegated
April 5
Nadur Youngsters put Qala St. J. out of their misery by beating them 3-0 and condemning the Maroons to second division football. Kercem Ajax kept their hopes of avoiding the relegation/promotion playoff by beating Victoria Hotspurs 5-4.

The phoney war is over!
April 4
Ghajnsielem beat S.K. Victoria W. 4-0 on goals scored by Kenneth Mercieca (his first senior goal for the Club and the first of many one would hope), Joseph Attard (his 51st goal for the Club), Sarkis Goncalves and Alex Viana. This is the Blacks' sixth consecutive league win, all important, but all minor skirmishes compared to the battles that loom ahead. So the referee's final whistle signalled the end of the phoney war, and the first drumbeats of the real war. Ghajnsielem now merely have to set a terrible seasonal (0-4 and 0-3) and historical record straight against the current leaders, and that merely to come to level terms with them on 33 points. The denouement will consist of...but first things first! Blacks' Line-up: Joseph Grech, David Debattista, Frank Buttigieg (Errol Grima), Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg, Brian Meilak (Charlon Tabone), Kenneth Mercieca (Larry Buttigieg), Joseph Attard, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea.

Lions on the brink...Blacks hold rally
March 29
Sannat Lions stretched their lead atop the 1st division with a 2-0 win over Qala St. Joseph. Victoria Hotspurs narrowly edged their neighbours S.K. Victoria Wanderers 1-0 to keep their hopes for honours alive. Nadur Youngsters steered closer to safety with a 2-0 win over Kercem Ajax. Idle Ghajnsielem, who need to win their remaining matches to stay in contention, held a rally for the members on Sunday. Ghajnsielem's next league match will be April 4, when they play S.K. Victoria Wanderers.

Lions hold their nerve...Blacks three back
March 24
Sannat Lions regained sole leadership of the G.F.A. 1st division with a 2-1 win over Nadur Youngsters on Tuesday. Sannat now are three points clear of Ghajnsielem, with both teams having three games left to play. Sannat will get a chance to stretch that lead to six points when they play Qala St. Joseph on Saturday. S.K. Victoria W. and Victoria Hotspurs will square off to determine which side will continue to hope for a collapse by Sannat. Ghajnsielem's next league match will be April 4, when they will play S.K. Victoria Wanderers.

Relentless Blacks reach the top
March 22
Ghajnsielem F.C. were in no mood to drop any points in their relentless pursuit of leaders Sannat Lions. They dismissed a Qala side, that is now in deep relegation trouble after two losses, with three first half goals. Charles Mercieca, Franklee Galea and Sarkis Goncalves (penalty) scored for Ghajnsielem. The Blacks are now joint league leaders equal on points with Sannat Lions, who have a game in hand. S.K. Victoria Wanderers dropped off the pace with an unexpected 2-3 loss at the hands of Kercem Ajax. All eyes are now on Sannat's rescheduled match against Nadur Youngsters scheduled for this Tuesday. Ghajnsielem's task as they approach the tough stretch of road ahead will become clearer following S.K. Wanderers' clash with Victoria Hotspurs and Sannat's encounter with Qala this Saturday. One has to go back to the mid-Seventies to find these two behemoths of Gozitan football vying head on for league honours. The hungry Lions had the better of a thoroughly satiated Blacks team back then. Will Ghajnsielem complete the comeback reminiscent of 71/72 and reverse the historical and seasonal record against the Lions? Will Sannat recover in time to hold off the resurgent Blacks? Or will both teams collapse and let one of the city sides snatch the title? Blacks' Line-up: Joseph Grech, David Debattista, Frank Buttigieg, Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg, Brian Meilak (Charlon Tabone), Kenneth Mercieca, Joseph Attard (Ferdinand Apap), Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea (Larry Buttigieg).

Blacks within striking distance of the leaders 
March 15
Ghajnsielem F.C. grabbed three valuable points with a 3-0 win over Kercem Ajax that brought them level with S.K. Victoria Wanderers in second place only three points behind leaders Sannat Lions. Sarkis Goncalves scored twice (one from the penalty spot) and Alex Viana (penalty) scored the other as the Blacks reeled off their fourth win on the trot, all after they looked dead and buried following the second round defeat at the hands of Sannat. Ghajnsielem's cause has been helped by a number of favourable results involving the teams immediately ahead of them. In fact, last week Sannat lost to Victoria Hotspurs 2-3 and yesterday S.K. Victoria Wanderers could only manage a 0-0 draw against Nadur Y. Blacks' line-up: Jonathan Xuereb (Joseph Grech), David Debattista, Frank Buttigieg, Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg, Brian Meilak, Kenneth Mercieca (Ferdinand Apap), Joseph Attard, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Errol Grima (Charlon Tabone).

Hotspurs dent Lions' title aspirations 
March 8
Victoria Hotspurs put a serious dent in Sannat Lions' title aspirations with a 3-2 win that not only prevented the Lions from consolidating their lead atop the first division but made the winning side legitimate aspirants for the title.

Blacks keep marching on
March 1
Ghajnsielem F.C. kept up their challenge for league honours with a fine 2-0 win over Nadur Youngsters. Brian Meilak and Joseph Attard scored the goals in this hard fought match. The win meant that the Blacks kept pace with front runners Sannat Lions who yesterday beat Kercem Ajax 2-0 and second-placed S.K. Victoria Wanderers who overcame Qala St. Joseph 3-0. Blacks' Line-up: Joseph Grech, Frank Buttigieg, David Debattista, Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg, Brian Meilak (Charlon Tabone), Kenneth Mercieca, Joseph Attard, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea (Errol Grima).

Blacks on the move
February 22
Ghajnsielem F.C. moved up to third place at the end of two rounds of league play with a fine 4-3 win over Kercem Ajax. Alex Viana, who had missed a penalty early in the match, scored twice and Joseph Attard added two more for the Blacks. Blacks' Line-up: Joseph Grech, Frank Buttigieg, Joseph Buttigieg, Brian Meilak, David Debattista, Kenneth Mercieca, Joseph Attard (Charlon Tabone), Larry Buttigieg, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea.

Nadur Youngsters steer out of danger zone
February 19
Nadur Youngsters brought to an end a four-match winless streak with an important 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Qala St. Joseph. The loss was Qala's fourth on the trot and leaves them anchored at the bottom of the table.

Victoria Hotspurs rein in the leaders
February 15
Following a series of disappointing losses, Victoria Hotspurs bounced back with an unexpected win over leaders Sannat Lions. The latter will still top the table at the end of two rounds but have thus been prevented from building a daunting lead over their pursuers.

S.K. Victoria Wanderers pegged back by lowly Kercem
February 10
S.K. Victoria Wanderers missed a perfect opportunity to draw closer to the league leaders Sannat Lions, when they could do no better than a 1-1 draw against lowly Kercem Ajax.

Blacks' comeback stuns Reds
February 8
Ghajnsielem F.C. put their recent disappointments behind them and fought back from two goals down to defeat Victoria Hotspurs 3-2. Alex Viana, with two goals, and Charles Mercieca scored for Ghajnsielem. In the day's other match, Sannat Lions narrowly beat Qala St. Joseph to extend their lead at the top of the table. Blacks' Line-up: Jonathan Xuereb, David Debattista, Frank Buttigieg (Larry Buttigieg), Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg (c), Brian Meilak, Kenneth Mercieca (Ferdinand Apap), Joseph Attard, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea.

S.K. Victoria Wanderers slip
February 1
S.K. Victoria Wanderers' bid for the championship received a serious setback when they could only manage a draw against Nadur Y. The scoreless draw left the Wanderers two points behind leaders Sannat Lions, who have a game in hand. In Sunday's other match, Kercem Ajax snatched their first win of the season with a late goal. The 3-2 win over Victoria Hotspurs lifted Kercem to 5th place in the table.

Kercem and Nadur battle to a stalemate
January 26
Nadur Youngsters and Kercem Ajax, two teams who this season are mired in the wrong end of the table, battled to a goal less draw, a result that is unsatisfactory to both teams.

Blacks' hopes fade with heavy defeat
January 25
Ghajnsielem F.C. started the match well but then faded to their second defeat of the season. Both these defeats were heavy and both were suffered at the hand of the league leaders, Sannat Lions. Fernando de Andrade (twice) and John Camilleri scored Sannat's three goals. Ghajnsielem must now focus on solidifying their place in the middle of the table and avoid getting entangled in a relegation tussle. With the win, Sannat soared three points clear of pursuers S.K. Victoria W. at the top of the first division table.
Blacks' line-up: Jonathan Xuereb, Charles Mercieca, Joseph Buttigieg (c), Brian Meilak, Joseph Attard, Errol Grima (David Debattista), Larry Buttigieg (Kenneth Mercieca), Martin Cremona, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves, Franklee Galea (Charlon Tabone).

S.K. Victoria W. keep pace with leaders
January 18
S.K. Victoria W.'s challenge at the top of the table continued unabated with a 3-1 win over Qala St. Joseph. The three points earn the Wanderers a share of the league lead with idle Sannat Lions.

Victoria Hotspurs still in the running
January 13
Victoria Hotspurs rebounded from three straight defeats with a 3-0 win over Qala St. Joseph. 

Blacks register another draw
January 11
Ghajnsielem F.C. drew 1-1 in their 2nd round match against S.K. Victoria W. Joseph Attard scored midway through the second half following an Errol Grima pass to earn the Blacks a point following the Wanderers' opener scored by Joseph Vella. The draw was of little use to the two combatants, and suited Sannat Lions the most. Earlier in the afternoon, the Lions beat Nadur Youngsters 2-0 and stretched their lead over the Wanderers to three points. At the midway point of the season, Ghajnsielem, who gave Brazilian striker Alex Viana his debut, remain in contention three further points adrift. Their next match against Sannat Lions is must-win.
Blacks' line-up: Jonathan Xuereb (c), Frank Buttigieg, Charles Mercieca, Brian Meilak, Joseph Attard, Errol Grima (David Debattista), Larry Buttigieg (Joseph Buttigieg), Martin Cremona, Alex Viana, Sarkis Goncalves (Kenneth Mercieca), Franklee Galea.

Finally Qala win a league match
January 4
After a start of six draws out of seven league matches, Qala finally win a match. And what an important win it was. They beat fellow strugglers Kercem Ajax 2-1 to put some distance between themselves and last place in the league table. Kercem, still winless, remain anchored to the bottom with 5 points.

Blacks hold on to secure vital victory
December 28
Ghajnsielem F.C. finally registered their second win of the league season. The Blacks beat Nadur Youngsters 4-3. Errol Grima and Joseph Attard each scored a pair of first half goals. Jonathan Xuereb saved a second half penalty. Earlier S.K. Victoria W. beat Victoria Hotspurs 2-1 to draw within one point of league leaders Sannat Lions. Ghajnsielem and Hotspurs lie joint third four points adrift.

Sannat invite the rest of the pack to the party
December 21
Sannat Lions could only manage a 2-2 draw against bottom of the table Kercem Ajax. They thus missed a great opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

Blacks and Maroons fire blanks
December 17
Ghajnsielem F.C. and Qala St. Joseph drew 0-0 in each side's second round opening match. The evenly-balanced match was short on quality, with both sides seemingly happy to avoid defeat.

Sannat surge into sole leadership
December 14
Sannat Lions edged S.K. Victoria W. 1-0 to take sole leadership of the G.F.A. first division. Sannat lead the two Victoria pursuers, Wanderers and Hotspurs by three points, and Ghajnsielem, who have a game in hand, by seven points.

Ghajnsielem vs Qala St. J. postponed 
December 11
Ghajnsielem's second round opener against Qala St. J. was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. The match will be rescheduled for a later date.

Nadur upend one of the leaders
December 7
Nadur Youngsters registered their first win of the season in all competitions when they beat one of the league leaders, Victoria Hotspurs 2-1. The points elevated Nadur off the bottom of the standings and, amazingly, to within five points of the leaders.

Ghajnsielem can't hold the lead
November 27
Ghajnsielem's dismal sequence of blown leads continued on Thursday night, when the Blacks let Kercem A. snatch an equalizer at the death. Larry Buttigieg's strike direct from a corner kick was squandered, as was Ghajnsielem's chance to hang on to the coat-tails of the top three. All is not lost, however, Ghajnsielem are only 4 points off the less than devastating pace set by the leaders, but someone has to show our boys how to preserve a lead--or better still for the good of their suffering fans, how to pad (that is, add to) the lead!

Sannat Lions join the party
November 23
Sannat Lions comfortably beat Victoria Hotspurs 2-0 and in the process joined the same Hotspurs and S.K. Victoria W. at the top of the first division table. Nadur Youngsters and Qala St. J. featured in a 1-1 draw that kept both teams wallow(ing) in the (quag)mire.

Ghajnsielem lose to Senglea Athletics
November 19
Ghajnsielem F.C. played another friendly match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun. This time the opponents were M.F.A. first division side Senglea Athletics. The Blacks lost 1-3. Kenneth Mercieca scored Ghajnsielem's goal in the second half. The goal reduced the arrears to 1-2. Mercieca was unlucky not to claim a second goal when his shot came back off the bar. The Blacks dictated matter for most of this encounter and were unfortunate to concede three soft goals. The numerous supporters who made the trip to Hamrun were disappointed not to see Brazilian striker Sarkis Goncalves in action (he was rested due to a slight muscle ailment) but must have been heartened by yet another energetic and polished display by the Blacks.

S.K. Victoria Wanderers joint leaders
November 18
S.K. Victoria Wanderers finished their first round commitments with a narrow 1-0 win over lowly Kercem Ajax. The three points, however, were enough to give the Wanderers a share of first place, equal on eleven points with their neighbours Victoria Hotspurs, who have a game in hand.

Ghajnsielem in rampant form
November 10
Ghajnsielem F.C. put four past M.F.A. premier division side Msida St. J. (with nearly a full complement of regulars) in a friendly match played this evening at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun. Kenneth Mercieca scored one of the goals, Sarkis Goncalves (below), a Brazilian striker on trial with the Blacks scored two spectacular goals, and a second foreigner, a Nigerian striker, scored the other goal. More encouraging was the splendid performance put on by the Blacks (happy to finally escape the abysmal Gozo Stadium surface), who seem to be taking full advantage of this break in competitive action. The Blacks earned plaudits from Msida and Hamrun fans in attendance, and stirred Club officials into commenting that this was Ghajnsielem's most polished performance in recent memory.

Ghajnsielem fritter more points away
October 30
Ghajnsielem led Victoria Hotspurs all the way up to the 42nd minute of the second half, only to concede yet another soft goal, and thus squander precious points against the league leaders. The morale sapping 1-1 draw leaves the Blacks fourth in the table, 5 points behind the same Hotspurs team. Martin Cremona scored Ghajnsielem's goal fifteen minutes into the game (see below).

Sannat Lions fail to solve depleted Qala St. J.
October 26
Sannat Lions could manage no better than a 1-1 draw against Qala St. J. The draw lifts them into a second place tie with S.K. Victoria W.

Ten-man Hotspurs reclaim first place
October 26
Victoria Hotspurs beat Kercem Ajax 2-1 to leap over Victoria W. back into first place.

Wanderers in sole possession of first place
October 25
S.K. Victoria W. could manage no better than a goal-less draw against cellar-dwellers Nadur Y. Although the point entitles the Wanderers to sole possession of first place, the draw against the bottom club leaves a dent in their aspirations to win the championship.
 

Hair-dryer
October 23
It was hair-dryer treatment time this week at J.F. de Chambray Street as Club President, Mr. Sammy Rapa, let all his players know how he felt about their general demeanour following Ghajnsielem's win over Nadur. Clearly perturbed by poor team spirit and a shocking lack of professionalism, Mr. Rapa spelled out to his players where the Club ranks in the hierarchy of local football, right at the top, and how hard they have to work to earn a place in the pantheon of the Blacks great, harder than they have done over recent weeks. He made it clear to the players that they were the locomotive organ of the Club and it was therefore incumbent upon them to propel the Club forward. Almost to a man the players owed up their shortcomings. Which is good, but for Joe the Supporter, no less than a spirited performance against Victoria Hotspurs, preceded by full commitment across the board in training will do as proof that the Blacks are back "on track."

Lions inflict heavy defeat on Blacks
October 19
Ghajnsielem dropped to their first league defeat of the season after they fell heavily to Sannat Lions 0-4. Although Sannat deserved their win, which makes them joint leaders with Victoria Hotspurs and S.K. Victoria W., Ghajnsielem probably consider themselves unlucky having had Errol Grima and N'dayi Kalenga efforts thunder off the crossbar at crucial moments of the match. S.K. Victoria Wanderers had earlier disposed of Qala St. Joseph 4-0.

First place beckons
October 18
Qala St. J. will take on the surprise package of the young season, S.K. Victoria W. in the first match tomorrow. Then Ghajnsielem will try to leap over Victoria H. into first place with a win over the surging Sannat Lions. Ghajnsielem must be wary of their next opponents who have just put three past Nadur, a week after the Blacks could only manage just one past the struggling Youngsters. Indeed, the lack of scoring potency must be coach Joe Grech's biggest headache during these opening skirmishes. The Blacks need N'dayi Kalenga to start having multi-goal games and Kenneth Mercieca to start finding the net every now and then. The Blacks hope that Errol Grima's torrid start to the season continues against his old club, Sannat.

The champions are still winless
October 18
Kercem Ajax prolonged Nadur Youngsters' miserable start to the season by holding the reigning champions to a 1-1 draw. Kercem Ajax, join three other first division sides (leaders Victoria H., Ghajnsielem and Qala S.J.), who are still to taste defeat this season. Kercem and Qala are one draw away from equalling the record for successive draws to open a season--4 set by Xaghra United in 99/00. On the negative side, Kercem, like Nadur and Qala are still winless this season.

The leaders are held to a draw
October 12
Qala St. Joseph brought to a halt Victoria Hotspurs' two-game winning streak (way short of their club-record 5 set in '66/67), and foiled the Reds' bid to break clear of the field, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Gozo Stadium. The result kept Ghajnsielem within one win of first place in the table.

Blacks feature in entertaining draw
October 10
Ghajnsielem and S.K. VIctoria Wanderers featured in a highly entertaining match this afternoon at the Gozo Stadium. The 1-1 final score was a fair result. Adesina's goal just before half-time was cancelled by a second-half N'dayi Kalenga strike. Errol Grima, once again one of the brightest players on show, missed a penalty, and thus saw his goal-scoring streak halted at three. There were several good performances in the Blacks' line-up, including the midfield tandem of Tunde Lateff and Franklee Galea, who saved the Blacks with a goal-line clearance late in the match.

Nadur's record of futility is extended
October 10
Sannat Lions sent the reigning champions, Nadur Youngsters, reeling to their third straight league defeat of the season. Sannat beat Nadur 3-1, on the strength of a first half barrage of goals. Nadur scored a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match. One has to go back to 1988/89 to find a Nadur team starting with three league defeats in a row (the club record). Nadur have lost four straight in all competitions, which is unprecedented for this club. Nadur is some distance from the 1981/82 club records for winless start in all competitions (10) and winless start in the league (9). The latter record was equalled in 04/05, when Nadur's first half (of an 18-match season) consisted of three draws and 6 defeats. The only consolation for Nadur, on this record setting evening, is that they have lost to the three strongest teams in the 1st division. The season is very long and Nadur will have two more kicks at the can as far as those pretenders to the title are concerned. They have 15 matches to make up the alarming deficit. In short, they can bounce back from this and that is why the Blacks have to go all out for victory against SK Victoria Wanderers on Sunday. This will not be easy. Lest we forget, the Wanderers routed Sannat in their league opener and narrowly lost to the leaders Victoria Hotspurs.

Qala St. J. and Kercem A. draw again
October 5
Qala St. Joseph and Kercem Ajax battled to a 1-1 to maintain their 4th and 5th position in the league table.

Errol Grima lifts the Blacks over Nadur
October 3
Errol Grima's goal mid-way through the second half was all that the Blacks needed to beat Nadur Youngsters, in the two teams' second outing of the season. Three years of futility against the three-time, defending champions came to an end as the Blacks finally win one against the whites in the league. If it was not for N'dayi Kalenga's shocking profligacy, Ghajnsielem would have registered an emphatic victory tonight. Kalenga's scoring touch deserted him as he three times failed to put the ball away with only Nadur's keeper to beat. Fortunately, Errol Grima is in great form and the goals just keep flowing. This was number ten's fourth goal in the team's three games this season.

Hotspurs edge Wanderers in the battle of Victoria
September 28
Victoria Hotspurs edged S.K. Victoria W. 1-0 to take sole leadership of the first division. An early Noel Borg goal ensured that Hotspurs maintained their perfect start to the season and to remain the only team with a perfect record.

Lions slow start continues
September 25
Sannat Lions's slow start to the season continued with a 2-2 draw against modest Kercem Ajax.

Blacks' frustration against Qala continues
September 24
Ghajnsielem F.C. failed to hold on to a 2-1 lead and let Qala St. Joseph peg them back to a draw with a late goal. Errol Grima equalized late in the first half from the penalty spot, following Ricardo Saverino's opener direct from a free-kick. Then in the second half Grima scored a marvellous goal to put the Blacks ahead. Then Saverino poked home off the post to earn his side a point.

Hotspurs win the Cup
September 21
Victoria Hotspurs confirmed their status as serious contenders for all the honours on offer this season, by following up their defeat of champions Nadur in the league opener, by claiming the Independence Cup beating emergent force, Qala St. Joseph 2-0.

Victoria sides open the season with wins
September 18
The 2008/09 league season opened mid-week with matches played under the lights on Wednesday and Thursday. Newly-promoted side S.K. Victoria W. rocked Sannat Lions with a 3-0 whopping, and a performance to match. Two of the championship contenders, reigning champions Nadur Youngsters and last year's runners-up Victoria Hotspurs, seemed to have battled to a scoreless draw, until Hotspurs' captain Michael Vella settled the matter in his team's favour with a goal in injury time.

Maroons' cup form carries on into new season
September 14
The superb form shown by Qala St. J. in the season-ending cup competitions of 2007/08 continued this year with their elimination of champions Nadur Youngsters at the semi-final stage of the Independence Cup 2009. Qala beat Nadur 2-1 to advance to the final where they will play Victoria H. who eliminated their cross-town rivals S.K. Victoria W. 2-1.

Semi-finals picture complete
September 10
The 2008 Independence Cup semi-finals will be contested by Qala St. J who will take on Nadur Youngsters and S.K. Victoria Wanderers who will take on Victoria Hotspurs. Both matches will be played this Sunday. In the last of the quarter-finals played yesterday, S.K. Victoria W. eliminated Sannat Lions 4-3 on penalties. The two teams had played to a 1-1 draw.

Early exit for Blacks
September 7
Ghajnsielem F.C. kicked off their 08/09 season with a disappointing 1-2 defeat at the hands of Victoria Hotspurs in the quarter-final stage of the Independence Cup. Errol Grima scored Ghajnsielem's goal, a 36th minute gem, which brought the Blacks level from a goal down. Ghajnsielem suffered the knockout punch eight minutes from time, when Manuel Cordina punished the Blacks for s defensive mishap. Noel Borg scored the other goal for Hotspurs. Earlier Qala St. Joseph eliminated Kercem Ajax 4-2 on penalties. The two teams were tied at 1-1 after ninety minutes and 3-3 after extra-time.

Blacks kick-off 08/09 season
September 7
Ghajnsielem F.C. kick off their 08/09 season with an Independence Cup quarter-final tie against Victoria Hotspurs. The winner will advance to the semi-final stage where they will play S.K. Victoria W. or Sannat Lions who face each other on Tuesday. Qala St. Joseph take on Kercem Ajax in the day's other match. The winner will play Nadur Y. in the semi-final to be played next week-end.

Presentation of new first team coach
July 30
The newly formed Ghajnsielem F.C. committee led by Mr Sammy Rapa held the first in a series of meetings with the supporters in order to give an update of the latest developments within the Club. The meeting was held on the Club's terrace area, just 30 days after the new committee was formed. Mr Rapa announced that Ghajnsielem F.C. had secured the services of coach, Joe Grech, who hails from Msida and who is presently the coach of Gozo F.C. The Club also presented the 2008/09 gear and a gift to Mr Vincent Cutajar for his services and dedication to the Club both as a player and later as a benefactor. The meeting ended with a video presentation showing the Blacks throughout the years.

Club holds extraordinary general meeting
June 29
 

Club holds annual general meeting
June 7
 

Joseph Buttigieg, Club Player of the Year
June 4
Joseph Buttigieg has been awarded with his second Ghajnsielem F.C. player of the year award in three years. The Blacks' captain had an outstanding season for the Club, and was a revelation when he was pressed into central defence midway through the season following an injury crisis. His exquisitely timed tackles, solid clearances and relentless stalking of opponents in possession are some of the enduring memories from Buttigieg's outstanding season with the Club. David Debattista and Charles Mercieca were two more defenders who were honoured this evening--most promising player and most dedicated player awards, respectively. Who knows how Ghajnsielem's season would have unfolded had not these two players not missed so much playing time with injuries.

The Club also honoured Jason Vella (player of the year), Kenny Hili (most promising player and top scorer) and Robert Vassallo (most dedicated player) for the Under/16 category and Antonio Xuereb (player of the year), Carl Scicluna (most promising) and Chris Grech (most dedicated) for the Under/13 category.

President Raymond Grech, who also addressed those present, vice-president Alfio Rapa, and coaches, Alex Spiteri and Ivan Vella, made the trophy presentations.

Qala humiliate the champions
May 8
Fresh from their stunning G.F.A. Cup triumph against Ghajnsielem, Qala, as if trying to make up for lost time, quickly added another major honour by beating the champions, Nadur Youngsters 3-0, in the Super Cup final. The contest brought the 2007/08 Gozitan football season to an end.

So near, and yet so far
May 6
Ghajnsielem were twice within a couple of minutes from winning the G.F.A. Cup final against Qala S.J., only to see the maroons come back each time. Twice reprieved, Qala then beat the Blacks on penalties. Dominic Okanu put the Blacks ahead with a 40th minute penalty. Ghajnsielem missed one chance after the other to seal the win. Then with one minute to go, Andreas Fotso headed the ball past Victor Agius for the equalizer. In the 6th minute of the second half of extra time, Okanu restored the Blacks' lead. Charles Mercieca was sent off for a second yellow card. Two minutes from the end, Glenn Cefai controlled a short clearance and shot the ball past Agius for the definitive 2-2. In the shootout, Qala scored all their penalty shots; Joseph Buttigieg, Okanu, Martin Cremona and Victor Tavares converted their shots and Brian Meilak was the unlucky one, because his shot was blocked by Aktpan.

Blacks cut champions down to size
May 1
Ghajnsielem unceremoniously dumped newly crowned champions Nadur Youngsters out of the G.F.A. Cup, by beating them 2-1 this May Day at the Gozo Stadium. They will play Qala St. Joseph who defeated S.K. Victoria W. 3-2 in the other semi-final. Dominic Okanu and Victor Tavares turned the match around with two second half goals, after Nkwankwo Chidi Eric had given Nadur an undeserved lead.

De Andrade hat-trick sinks Blacks
April 27
Ghajnsielem lost to Sannat Lions 0-3 in the last match of the 07/08 league season. Ex-Blacks striker Fernando de Andrade scored all the goals for Sannat. The Blacks gave starts to several promising youngsters and rested some regulars for this match. Charles Mercieca returned to the side from a long absence due to knee ligament injury. In the season finale, champions Nadur Youngsters celebrated by beating their nearest rivals Victoria Hotspurs 1-0.

Blacks seal Blues' fate
April 24
Ghajnsielem beat Xaghra U. 3-0 in the Blacks' penultimate league game of the season. The result condemns Xaghra to second division football for 2008/09. Dominic Okanu (penalty), Jeremy Camilleri and John Camilleri scored the goals. Ghajnsielem will have a shot at leaping over Sannat L. into third place in their last game of the season on Sunday. Qala St. Joseph beat Kercem Ajax 1-0 to end the season in fifth place, clear of relegation. Kercem will play the runners-up of the second division (Xewkija Tigers or S.K. Victoria W.) in the promotion/relegation playoff.

Nadur Youngsters champions of Gozo
April 17
Nadur Youngsters beat Sannat Lions 4-1 to make sure of the 10th championship in their history. In a match played on Wednesday, Qala St. J. surprisingly lost to Xaghra U. 0-1, and thus failed to steer clear of relegation.

Blacks beat Ajax
April 13
Ghajnsielem beat Kercem A. 2-1 on Sunday to solidify their fourth position in the table and in the process made sure of their first division status. John Camilleri and Dominic Okanu scored for the Blacks. In the day's other match, Victoria H. edged Sannat L. 3-2 to keep their title hopes alive.

Blacks vs Ajax
April 12
Ghajnsielem look to bring to a halt their four game losing streak in their match against Kercem A. on Sunday. The midweek win for Kercem A. over Xaghra U. (4-2) and the surprising 2-2 draw earned by Qala St. J. against Nadur Y. meant that the Blacks are still not mathematically clear of 6th place.

Blacks pay the penalty
April 4
Ghajnsielem dropped their fourth match in a row, when they went down to Victoria Hotspurs 1-2. The Blacks took the lead early in the second half through Dominic Okanu. Ricardo Saverino scored twice from the penalty spot to lift Hotspurs to within three points of Nadur Y. In today's other match Qala St. Joseph crept closer to safety when they beat Sannat Lions 3-2.

Hotspurs win Jum il-Helsien Cup
March 31
Victoria Hotspurs made sure that there would be no Grand Slam for Nadur Youngsters this season by beating them 2-0 in the Jum il-Helsien Cup final.

Third consecutive championship within sight for Nadur
March 27
Nadur Youngsters moved closer to their third consecutive championship with a 5-2 win over Xaghra United. Nadur need four more points to clinch the tenth championship in their history.

Hotspurs stay in the hunt
March 26
Victoria Hotspurs beat Kercem Ajax 4-2 to keep their slim chance of catching the leaders Nadur Youngsters. With the loss Kercem remained embroiled in the relegation tussle.

Aimless Blacks drop another one
March 19
Ghajnsielem lost their match in a row, when they went down to Qala St. Joseph 0-2. Mario Mifsud from the penalty spot and Dione Lautier scored Qala's goals. Earlier in the day, Kercem Ajax surprised Sannat Lions and beat them 3-2. Yesterday Victoria Hotspurs defeated Xaghra United 5-2 to reclaim second place in the table.

Nadur Y. dismiss sad Blacks
March 19
Ghajnsielem, lost their third round opener against runaway leaders Nadur Y. 1-3. Chris Camilleri (2) and Nkwankwo Chidi Eric scored for Nadur. Dominic Okanu scored a consolation goal for Ghajnsielem from the penalty spot.

Lions leap into second place
March 16
Nadur Y. stretched their lead atop the G.F.A. First Division following the 3rd round opening matches. They edged Kercem A. 1-0, while Sannat L. overwhelmed Xaghra U. 3-0 and Victoria H. were held to a 2-2 draw by Qala St. J. Idle Ghajnsielem will open their 3rd round commitments with a match against the leaders Nadur, on Wednesday.

Blacks pushed further back by Nadur
March 2
Ghajnsielem let slip their last chance to haul themselves into the race for the league championship when they lost to league leaders, Nadur Youngsters 1-2. Instead of moving to within four points of the leaders, the Blacks slipped to ten points off the pace. The victory left the Youngsters perched on top, with clear daylight between them and their pursuers Victoria Hotspurs and Sannat Lions. Dominic Okanu scored for the Blacks. In today's other match, Kercem Ajax and Qala St. J. battled to a scoreless draw.

Lions drag back Hotspurs
February 24
Sannat Lions stayed in the hunt for the championship with a 4-1 win over second-place Victoria Hotspurs.

Nadur Youngsters back on track
February 21
Nadur Youngsters brought to halt a three-game winless streak with a 2-0 win over Xaghra United. The three points take them one point over Victoria Hotspurs at the top of the table. The result also took Nadur seven points beyond Ghajnsielem in the standings. So the Blacks' match against Nadur to close the second round will be the last chance saloon for Ghajnsielem as far as league honours are concerned.

Blacks join the chase with win over Kercem
February 17
Ghajnsielem beat Kercem Ajax 3-2 to join the four-team chase for the league title. Captain Joseph Buttigieg opened the score early in the match. Kercem equalized following a furious reaction on their part. Goals by Dominic Okanu and John Camilleri put Ghajnsielem in the clear before half-time. Kercem edged closer with a goal midway through the second half but Ghajnsielem held on for a crucial win. Earlier in the day Sannat Lions beat Qala St. Joseph 2-1 with two late goals. On Thursday, Victoria Hotspurs too left it late to secure the three points against Xaghra United. The win took them ahead of Nadur Youngsters at the top of the table. Nadur Youngsters have a game in hand over the other three contenders.

Shorthanded Blacks win
February 10
Ghajnsielem beat Qala St. J. early today with a goal scored late in the match by their new Portuguese signing Victor Tavares. This hard-fought victory is especially satisfying due to the enforced absence of Victor Agius (sick), Charles Mercieca (injured) and Jeremy Camilleri (injured). Among the replacements, goalkeeper Joseph Grech stood out with an error free performance, and a series of courageous interventions at the feet of Qala forwards. In the other first division match, Kercem Ajax stunned leaders Nadur Y. and beat them 1-0.

Sannat Lions keep their hopes alive
January 31
Sannat Lions kept their faint hopes of challenging for the league title alive when they beat Xaghra United 2-0.

Victoria Hotspurs back in the hunt
January 27
Victoria Hotspurs brought Nadur Youngsters' season long unbeaten streak to an end with a 4-1 win on Sunday. The result left Nadur in first place, with a narrow one point advantage over the Reds. The Youngsters have a game in hand. Sannat Lions kept their title hopes alive with a 3-1 win over bottom of the table Kercem Ajax.

Dinner in honour of the Supporters' Club
January 26
Yesterday the members of the Supporters' Club of Ghajnsielem F.C. as well as the ordinary members of the Club were treated to a complimentary dinner by the Committee as a thank you gesture for the great support which the members have always shown for our Club. The well organized event was held in the Hall of the Club and was enjoyed by all.  The members were entertained by music supplied by Aurelio Bugeja, Alfie Fabri as D.J. and by newcomer band  “Inner Grey”, who left a very good impression on all those present. Club P.R.O. Victor Xerri presented Paul Debono with an official Club Jacket in appreciation for his role in making the Supporters’ Club such a big success.   Club President Raymond Grech made a speech in which he commented about the current form of the first team, our plans for the rest of the season, and the great response that the people of Ghajnsielem showed to the establishment of the Supporters’ Club, which is a first for Gozo. An entertaining evening, enjoyed by all!!

Under/13 drop their second
January 20
Ghajnsielem's Under/13 side slumped to their second defeat when hey lost to Xaghra United 1-3.

Blacks suffer unexpected setback
January 15
Ghajnsielem missed a great opportunity to creep within touching distance of second place, when they suffered an unexpected reversal at the hands of Xaghra United. The Blacks conceded yet another late first half goal, and never really recovered. The final score was 0-2 in Xaghra's favour.

Nadur Y's record start halted
January 13
Ghajnsielem will have a chance to make up some ground in the league standings when they play Xaghra United on Tuesday. This because the teams around them all dropped points this weekend. Nadur Youngsters' record setting 7-game winning streak from the start of the season came to an end, when they drew 3-3 against 4th place Sannat L. 2nd placed Victoria H. could do no better than a 2-2 draw against Qala St. J. On Saturday, Ghajnsielem's Under/21 side lost to S,K, Victoria W. 2-3 (Charlon Tabone, Jerry Ogbuleke). On Sunday, the Blacks' Under/16 team lost to Oratory Youths 0-2. The Under/13 side beat St. Lawrence Spurs 4-1 (Luke Meilak, Brandon Spiteri, Damian Hili, Adrian Cordina).

Blacks and Reds feature in 3-3 thriller
January 8
Ghajnsielem and Victoria H. featured in an exciting 3-3 draw at the Gozo Stadium. Jeremy Camilleri opened the score. Bassi equalized for Victoria H. Ex-Xaghra United striker John Camilleri put the Blacks ahead. The Reds drew level from a Joseph Buttigieg own-goal. Ricardo Saverino gave Hotspurs their first lead. Debutant John Camilleri earned Ghajnsielem a point with his second. David Carabott, Ghajnsielem's other signing, marked his return to the Club with a typical performance on the Blacks' right.

courtesy www.gozofootball.net

Blacks and Reds to play on Tuesday
December 27
Ghajnsielem will play Victoria H. on Tuesday evening, January 8. The Blacks need to win the match to move closer to 2nd placed Hotspurs. The Victoria side will want to win to keep pace the 7-0-0 Nadur Youngsters, who beat Qala St. J. 1-0 on Thursday.

Galea wonder goal lifts Blacks
December 27
Ghajnsielem bounced back from the disappointment of the last two matches with a hard fought 1-0 win over Sannat Lions. Franklee Galea's first half goal gave Ghajnsielem the all-important lead. Victor Agius preserved the victory with a series of scintillating second half saves. The Blacks leapfrogged the Lions into 3rd place.

courtesy www.gozofootball.net

Kercem, Xaghra and Qala in a quagmire
December 23
Victoria Hotspurs beat lowly Kercem Ajax 3-2 and Xaghra United and Qala St. Joseph drew 1-1 in the opening two matches of the second round of league play. The results keep Hotspurs in the chase for league honours and keep the other three teams mired in relegation trouble. Ghajnsielem's Under/13 side beat Oratory Youths 5-0. Luke Meilak (2), Brandon Spiteri (2) and Damian Hili scored the goals.

Blacks 10 points adrift of the Youngsters
December 20
Ghajnsielem succumbed to the unbeaten and untied Nadur Youngsters 1-2 in a Thursday evening match at the Gozo Stadium. The only satisfaction for the Blacks was a consolation goal from an otherwise ineffective Haruna Doda, a goal that brought to a halt Jonathan Xuereb's season long shutout streak.

courtesy www.gozofootball.net

Blacks bid to interrupt Youngsters' march
December 20
Ghajnsielem play Nadur Youngsters later today in the last match of the first round of league play. In yesterday's match, which had been postponed on Sunday, Kercem Ajax and Qala St. Joseph drew 1-1. The two teams closed their first round commitments mired in relegation trouble.

Stalemate
December 16
The two teams in hot pursuit of leaders Nadur Youngsters, Victoria Hotspurs an Sannat Lions, battled to a scoreless draw at the Gozo Stadium. This means that Nadur are guaranteed to end the calendar year, and the 1st round of the league, in sole possession of first place. Only Ghajnsielem stand in the way of a perfect 6-0-0 record for the reigning champions. In what promises to be the match of the opening round, the Blacks will try to halt the Youngsters' pursuit of perfection, this Thursday evening. On Wednesday, Qala St. Joseph and Kercem Ajax will face-off against each other: the teams' objective will be steer clear of the relegation zone. Ghajnsielem's Under/13 side drew against Victoria Hotspurs 2-2 (Brandon Spiteri, o.g.).

Blacks throw away two points
December 13
Ghajnsielem could manage no better than a 1-1 draw against bottom of the table side Kercem Ajax. Larry Buttigieg put the Blacks ahead in the second half, but Kercem equalized late in the match. The result left the Blacks seven points adrift of leaders Nadur Youngsters who cruised to their fifth win on the trot by beating Xaghra United 2-0. Ghajnsielem's Under/16 side beat St. Lawrence Spurs 4-1. Ferdinand Apap, Gabriel Cordina, Joshuel Grech and Kenny Hili scored the goals.

Lions and Hotspurs register wins
December 6
Victoria Hotspurs edged past lowly Xaghra United by a goal to nil. The three points took them back to the top of the table, equal on points with Nadur Youngsters. The reigning champions have a game in hand. Sannat Lions plunged Qala St. Joseph into a mini-crisis with a 6-1 trouncing. Sannat leapfrogged the idle Blacks in the league table.

Under/13 romp
December 2
Ghajnsielem's Under/13 side romped to an 8-0 win over Kercem Ajax. Ascanio Bajada (2), Adrian Cordina (2), Carl Scicluna, Rodlyn Azzopardi, William Vella (o.g.) and Atoine Azzopardi (o.g.) scored the goals. The Under/21 side drew 1-1 against Qala St. Joseph. Charlon Tabone scored for the Blacks from the penalty spot.

Blacks solve Qala puzzle
November 25
Ghajnsielem moved up the table, closer to the leaders, with a 5-1 win over Qala St. Joseph. Joseph Attard, Haruna Doda (2)(p), Shannon Vassallo and Charlon Tabone scored for the Blacks. Nadur Youngsters moved into sole possession of first place, with a comfortable 4-0 win over Kercem Ajax. Ghajnsielem's Under/13 side beat S.K. Victoria W. 1-0. Luke Meilak was the scorer.

Blacks return to action
November 23
After a long hiatus, Ghajnsielem return to action this Sunday with a league match against Qala St. Joseph. The Blacks need to win to keep pace with the champions Nadur Youngsters, who have made a fast start to the season. The Youngsters are not expected to slip in the second match of the afternoon, against Kercem Ajax.

Worrisome slump
November 17
Ghajnsielem's Under/21 side slumped to its second defeat of the season in as many games, when the Blacks lost to Kercem Ajax 0-2. Earlier in the month they succumbed to Xaghra United 0-1.

Relentless Youngsters march on
November 15
Champions Nadur Youngsters signalled their intent to hold on to their crown of champions with a narrow 1-0 victory over early first division pace setters, Victoria Hotspurs. In the second match of a twi-night doubleheader at the freshly re-surfaced Gozo Stadium, Sannat Lions hammered Xaghra United 7-1.

Mixed fortunes for our youth teams
November 11
Ghajnsielem's Under/16 team followed up their 6-0 drubbing of Sannat L. (Jason Vella, Kenny Hili 3, Gabriel Cordina 2) earlier this season, with a 4-0 neating of Nadur Y. Ferdinand Apap scored twice, and Larry Debono and Kenny Hili added one apiece. The Under/13 team could not emulate their senior colleagues, and fell down to the Youngsters 0-3. The Under/13 team also kicked off their season with a mauling of Sannat L. (Luke Mielak 2, Adrian Cordina, Carl Scicluna, Damian Hili).

Qala St. J. and S.K. Victoria W. complete the set of G.F.A. Cup semi-finalists
November 4
Qala St. Joseph beat second division side Zebbug Rovers 1-0 and S.K. Victoria W. beat Oratory Youths 3-1 in the two remaining quarter-final ties of the G.F.A. Cup. Today's winners will join Nadur Youngsters and Ghajnsielem in their quest for the Cup when the competition resumes in May of next year. Ghajnsielem's youngest, the Under/11 side participated in a quadrangular tournament at the Nadur ground and emerged from it with flying colours. They rebounded from an 0-2 loss to the hosts Nadur Y., by beating Qala St. J. 1-0 and joint top side Xaghra U. 6-3.