Lija prove a point

Football - BOV Premier League

couragement from the draw against Valletta the previous week. Moreover, they bolstered their defence with the inclusion of two new foreign players. Adrian Cascaval from Moldova played as centre back alongside Ousseynou while Frenchman Amaud Mendy was deployed in front of their four-man backline.

They enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but their dominance can’t mask the fact that Lija’s keeper Luke Bonnici performed tidily rather than heroically.

Lija meanwhile included centre back Predrag Babic and wide player McAllister Clinch from the start.

Although Lija showed more endeavour in the early stages, overall there was a lack of quality from these two newly promoted sides.

The first half hour produced only one shot on target and that was a tame effort from Beu, straight at the goalkeeper, after chasing a Bello Osagie diagonal pass.

But Lija suddenly jerked into shape and took the lead past the half hour. Bello Osagie slid a pass down the right flank which Leee Joe Schembri collected and, after advancing and cutting towards the middle past his opponent, beat keeper Nicht from a tight angle.

Although Naxxar began to dominate possession and territory after the restart, they failed to take a more direct approach in their play. The audible frustration of the majority of their fans in attendance was growing.

Instead, however, Lija resumed control of proceedings, using the ball efficiently. But in Daniel Bustos, Naxxar possessed a player who increasingly asserted himself

Who's first? Lija Athletic's McCallister Clinch (R) and Daniel Mateo Bustos of Naxxar Lions vie for a loose ball. Photo: Domenic Aquilina