TheÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ 2017-18 Malta second division league has come to an end with Liberia international defender, Adolphus Marshall, finishing on top with his club, Gudja United Football Club.
Marshall who is popularly known as “Nagbe†among Liberian football fans, won the league on Sunday, April 22, after his side managed a 3-1 win over Santa Lucia Football Club in a championship decider.
The two teams finished the league with 46 points each but Gudja had the goal advantage. Marshall’s Gudja ensured they finish the league as champions with the 3-1 triumph at the Luxol Stadium. A brace from Ronnie Celeste and a goal from Anthony Ewurum were enough to denied Santa Lucia, which got a lone goal through Keith Vella.
The championship decider started on a fine note as Gudja United took an early lead. Ronnie Celeste was the man to bring early smiles on the faces of Gudja’s fan when he struck in the 21st minute to put Gudja ahead. But Gudja’s lead lasted for only ten minutes with Santa Lucia replying with a goal. Keith Vella scored the equalizer in the 31st minute to restore Santa Lucia’s hopes in the match. However, Gudja made sure they went to the first half break with the lead. In the 37th minute, they got their second goal of the match. Anthony Ewurum scored to send Gudja to the break with a 2-1 lead.
The second half turned out to be quite competitive, with both teams struggling for goals. None was able to get a goal until the 81st minute when Gudja sealed the win. Santa Lucia’s hopes of leveling the score again were dashed after Celeste got his second score of the match. Gudja defended their lead and prevented Santa Lucia from scoring as they went on win the championship with a 3-1 win.
The 3-1 win over Santa Lucia didn’t only give Gudja the second division title, it also sent them to the Maltese First Division. Gudja will play the 2018-19 league season in the first division, where they will be hoping to continue their winning form to grab a promotion to the Maltese Premier League.
Marshall ended his seven years of playing his professional football career in Indonesia when he joined Gudja during the summer transfer window as a free agent. Marshall joined the club on a one-year deal with the option of extension at the end of the season.
What began as a disappointing start for Marshall after failing to win in his first three matches turned out to be one of his best seasons in his career after finishing as a champion.
