Golden Boy Mifsud settles boring match Rabat Ajax 2 - 0 Naxxar Lions E. Kela K. Muscat C. Borg J. Galea Z. Yildiz M. Farrugia E. Azzopardi R. Asciak H. Vassallo (C. Caruana, 57") A. Mifsud R. Scerri (N. Bilocca, 67") Teams R. Debono J. Galea (G. Bencini, 46") R. Pellegrini Petit S. Radak C. Cluett R. Farrugia P. Sixsmith I. Gauci H. Pullicino (C. Spiteri, 87") M. Marlow G. Camenzuli (F. Muscat, 84") A. Mifsud (12", 77") Scorers K. Muscat M. Farrugia A. Mifsud Booked S. Radak Referee: J. Camilleri Rabat Ajax's talented youngster Adrian Mifsud, who quite recently was promoted to the national team squad of Milorad Kosanovic, was his side's main protagonist as his two goals proved to be Naxxar's downfall in yesterday's first match at the Ta' Qali National Stadium. Rabat drew some measure of consolation from this match as the past season they were twice beaten by Naxxar Lions. The Magpies' forward struck once in each half to land his team the first points of the season. Other than these two goals, the match could easily be described as a yawn-laden affair with hardly any shots at goal with the result that both goalies had a relatively calm afternoon. Mr Kosanovic, watching attentively from the stands, must have been very happy with Mifsud's performance. At this rate the Rabat striker should easily become a regular in the national team in the very near future. Much more was expected from Naxxar Lions and although they were very aggressive in the opening minutes of the match they soon faded out. In fact, Rabat took an early lead in the 12th minute after some good work by Ronald Scerri. The sturdy Ajax defender pinpointed a perfect pass to Mifsud who complimented by beating Reuben Debono with a low shot. In the 20th minute, Mark Marlow tried his luck with a low shot from outside the penaly area but Edmund Kela saved easily. Naxxar went out in search of the equaliser and in the 25th minute they had an ideal opportunity to level the score. Radak passed the ball to Pullicino who found himself in front of Kela after Yildiz slipped in the penalty area. However, the Ajax goalie saved Pullicino's shot. On the change of ends, the Lions tried to pile the pressure on their opponents but their reaction was rather feeble and Kela was never seriously tested in goal. In the 72nd minute, Marlow tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the penalty area but his effort went wide. It was one of the few isolated attempts at goal in the second half. In the 77nd minute Rabat added their second goal from a fast counter-attack and practically settled the issue. Player/coach Yildiz passed the ball towards Mifsud who slammed home from close range. Mifsud could have obtained his hat-trick four minutes from time but substitute Muscat's timely interception saved Naxxar's blushes. Soon after this action Mifsud limped off the pitch and had to be substituted. In injury-time, Naxxar had a chance to pull a goal back through their English mid-dielder Paul Sixsmith, but his shot was off target. This win should aerve as a morale booster for the Ajax who clash with Pietà Hotspurs next weekend. On their part, a tougher job awaits Ray Farrugia's Naxxar when they face Floriana in their next assignment. Source: Pierre Cassar, The Times of Malta.