Promotion hopefuls Tarxien, San Gwann lose vital points

Attard 1
St Andrews 1

Attard shared the exchanges during the first half but mid-table partners St Andrews had the best goal scoring chances.

After three minutes the Saints went close through an Andy Eminyan shot which was saved by Spiteri and just before the half-time whistle they were again denied by the Attard goalie off a Mark Tabone header. David Busuttil then hit just over the bar from an Eminyan cross.

In the 53rd minute, St Andrews took the lead when Claude Scerri headed home from a corner.

Attard staged a strong reaction after this but had to wait until the 82nd minute to draw equal when substitute Carlos Zerafa scored after being put through by Silvio Mizzi.

Referee: Ian Miller.

Zebbuì Rangers 2
Tarxien Rainbows 2

This was one of the best matches this season at the Centenary Stadium with Zebbug playing a fine match and deservedly earned a point as Tarxien missed the chance to bolster their promotion hopes.

Tarxien were awarded a penalty for a foul on Igor Stefanovic early on. Jeffrey Zammit duly converted to put his team in front. Massimo Schembri and Claude Mangion had good chances to increase the Rainbows' lead but on 44 minutes it was Tarxien goalie Curmi who effected a fine save on a Gordon Mallia drive.

On 52 minutes, it was the Rangers' turn to have a penalty in favour when Schembri handled in his own area and Mallia scored from the spot.

There was more bad news for Tarxien soon after when Schembri was sent off for a double booking. However, 11 minutes from time Stefanovic put Tarxien back in the driving seat with a fierce drive.

Zebbug threw caution to the wind and deservedly equalised in the 89th minute through substitute Jerry Farrugia.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Luqa St Andrews 0
Dingli Swallows 2

Dingli Swallows opened their second round commitments with a bang after they beat fellows-in-distress Luqa 2-0, the goals coming late in the match. Luqa now seem destined for Third Division football next season.

Dingli dictated the run of play as Luqa 'keeper Fulvio Azzopardi made difficult saves off Jonathan Sapiano and Charles Azzopardi efforts.

In the 78th minute, Dingli took the lead through substitute Darren Roe and a minute later they sealed the issue when an Anthony Brignone shot from the distance finished behind Azzopardi's back.

Referee: Saviour Tanti.

Mellieóa 0
San Gwann 0

These were two vital points lost by San Gwann in their bid to earn promotion at the end of season.

Mellieha played a solid match throughout as, contrary to their opponents, they are seeking to avoid getting embroiled in the drop zone.

San Gwann created the first goal scoring opportunity but Antonio Saliba's shot was saved by Buttigieg and two minutes later a Dorian Colombo effort just missed the target. Seven minutes from half-time, Mellieha almost surprised the Saints but Roberto Vella's volley went off target.

San Gwann took the initiative after the break but all they had to show was a Colombo 'goal' which was disallowed for an infringement by the same player.

Referee: Clayton Pisani.

Division Three

Fgura United 0
Gharghur 0

Fgura missed their chance of taking sole leadership after a surprise 0-0 draw with an improved Gharghur side for whom veteran Nigel Zerafa made his debut in the second period.

Fgura are still in the reckoning for promotion as the race in the upper part of the standings is certainly becoming hotter as the weeks roll on.

The first half was monotonous to say the least but Fgura assumed the initiative after the interval and early on they twice went close through Mark Schembri and Twanny Gheiti.

Fgura protested for a penalty late in the match after Schembri was grounded in the Gharghur box. However, the referee waved play on.

William Stewart (Fgura) and John Schembri (Gharghur) were then sent off for showing dissent.

Referee: Adrian Ferriggi.

Melita 2
Mgarr United 0

This was the Amateurs' sixth win from eight matches as their promotion charge is slowly, but surely, gaining ground with each match played.

Melita were the better team throughout and after just three minutes a fine Andrew Naudi-Matthew Borg move saw Christian Glass opening the score.

In the 15th minute a Glass free-kick was a whisker away from goal but eight minutes later it was 2-0. Naudi collected a fine Adriano Fenech throughpass and made no mistake from close in.

Mgarr were never in the match and soon after the restart Melita fumbled a good chance to increase their lead when Naudi saw his penalty saved by Jason Zammit.

Referee: Mariano Debono.

Kirkop United 2
Sta Lucija 0

Two second-half goals proved to be enough for Kirkop who went top of the table, one point ahead of Melita, St George's, Zejtun and Fgura.

Kirkop created various chances during the first period but had to wait until the 54th minute to take the lead when a powerful Tyron Bonnici drive finished inside the Saints' net.

Sta Lucija hit back with various efforts including a Melvin Agius effort from a corner which was cleared off the line. Alistair Camilleri sealed the issue for Kirkop in the 76 minute after a swift counter attack.

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri.

Sta Venera Lightnings 3
Sirens 1

Promising Sta Venera striker Dylan Mercieca was the protagonist in this match. He scored a second-half hat-trick to turn defeat into victory for the Lightnings.

This upset was a severe blow for Sirens' promotion hopes. They saw more of the ball and broke the deadlock on 38 minutes thanks to an excellent Mario Gauci shot.

But, seconds after the restart, Mercieca made it 1-1 and 16 minutes from time he scored again from a Hili cross. With Sirens putting more men in attack, Mercieca launched a fine solo move in the 90th minute before beating Lia with a low shot.

Referee: Kenneth Mercieca.