Title at stake in top clash between Gudja and Swieqi

The BOV Second Division league has reached its final stages and what a campaign it has been with no fewer than seven clubs fighting for promotion at one stage or another. Only five points separate the leading four teams with Sunday’s clash at the Luxol Stadium between top duo Gudja United and Swieqi United likely to decide the title race. Third-placed Sta Lucia look well-placed to gain promotion after Fgura United’s chances suffered a setback following their 2-1 defeat to Kalkara in midweek. All eyes will be on Sunday’s much-awaited duel between Gudja and Swieqi. Gudja, who have a two-point lead over their imminent opponents, prevailed 1-0 in the corresponding first-round fixture. Gudja moved top of the standings on Tuesday night after mauling St George’s in a convincing 5-0 win. This was their fourth win in a row under Portuguese coach Valdemar Afonso after beating Siġġiewi (1-0), Attard (2-0) and Birżebbuġa (3-0). Chris Grech, the captain of Gudja United, is optimistic that his team will pick up the three points on Sunday to secure promotion to the First Division. “We have been playing well and our confidence is high,” Grech told www.mfa.com.mt. “I believe we are in the right frame of mind to reach our target at the end of the season.” EXPERIENCED PLAYERSGudja can rely on a host of experienced players, the likes of Firas Aboulezz and Nigerian striker Anthony Ewurum. Although Grech is optimistic, he also appealed for caution ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table match. “It’s true we have established players and experience at this football club,” Grech said. “Our morale is high after this positive run but we also know that Swieqi United are a well-organised side with good young players. “On paper, we may seem to have a slight edge but I believe that it’s a fifty-fifty game that could go either way.” SWIEQI COACH UPBEATSwieqi United coach Billy Mock is also upbeat ahead of the clash with Gudja. “We’ve had a positive season so far,” Mock said. “Losing top spot in the final stages of the season was quite disappointing but it should also provide our players with added motivation to work their socks off in this all-important game and try to obtain the three points.” Mock was very disappointed after Swieqi went down 1-0 to relegation strugglers St George’s a month ago but his team have reacted well, sending out a resounding message about their credentials with a 6-1 demolition of Kalkara. Last weekend, Swieqi were held to a 2-2 draw by Fgura United. “We embarked on a three-year plan at this club,” the experienced coach said. “We have a strong 22-man squad. I am sure that my players will be up for this task and hit the ground running come Sunday against a well-organised Gudja side.” Meanwhile, in other fixtures from the Second Division league this weekend, promotion chasers Santa Lucia face Kalkara on Sunday.In the bottom half, Għargħur have already relegated but Attard and St George’s are fighting to avoid the second relegation spot with only one point between them. Attard take on Luqa St Andrews on Saturday while St George’s face Marsaxlokk on Sunday. PROGRAMMESaturday-07-Apr 16:00 Centenary Stadium Attard vs Luqa St AndrewsSaturday-07-Apr 18:15 Centenary Stadium Birżebbuġa SP vs Mġarr UnitedSunday-08-Apr 16:00 Luxol Stadium St George’s vs MarsaxlokkSunday-08-Apr 18:15 Luxol Stadium Swieqi United vs Gudja UnitedSunday-08-Apr 16:00 Sirens Stadium Siġġiewi vs GħargħurSunday-08-Apr 18:15 Sirens Stadium Kalkara vs Santa Lucia