Zebbug Rovers 4
Sannat Lions 1

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Zebbug Rovers gained revenge on Sannat Lions who had inflicted the only defeat on the current leaders in the league this season.

On Easter Sunday, the Rovers saw off the Lions to the tune of 4-1 to go five points clear of nearest rivals Nadur who have a game in hand.

The leaders stormed into a 2-0 lead inside the first 36 minutes with goals from Mahjoub Touali and Silvan Galea.

Dione Lautier gave Sannat hope when reducing the arrears on the stroke of half-time but the Lions' bid to save the match was dented in the 69th minute when substitute George Mizzi was sent off for dissent.

Sixteen minutes from time, Zebbug's John Eboh had a good shot stopped by the post but soon after, the Rovers increased their lead courtesy of Touali.

Two minutes from time, Eboh added a fourth goal for Zebbug with a fine drive following an excellent through-pass by Leandro.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Zebbug Rovers 2
Victoria Hotspurs 2

Leading Zebbug Rovers 2-1 with a few minutes remaining, Victoria Hotspurs looked well poised to pull off a surprise result in the first match of the third round played on Maundy Thursday.

It was not to be, though, as the Rovers, leaders of Division One, snatched a very late equaliser, exactly in the fifth minute of added time, to avoid their second defeat of the campaign.

Zebbug had made the better start. Cardona had an attempt coming off the crossbar after 10 minutes.

Yet, it was Victoria who took the lead in the 26th minute thanks to Reuben Mercieca but Zebbug got back on level terms three minutes from half-time. Silvan Galea netted their equaliser.

Six minutes into the second half, the Hotspurs were back in front when Victor Egere struck home from the penalty spot but their hopes of holding on to their lead were hampered by the sending-off of Joseph Mizzi for a second booking.

Victoria's goalkeeper Vella was prominent with fine saves from efforts by Touali and Azzopardi, but Zebbug's late flurry paid off with an added-time equaliser by Galea.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

Xewkija Tigers 3
Nadur Youngsters 3

Nadur Youngsters failed to take advantage of Zebbug Rovers' failure to beat Victoria Hotspurs.

The defending champions only managed a point from their clash with Xewkija Tigers, the league's bottom team, on Sunday.

For their part, Xewkija spurned a golden opportunity to move off the bottom of the table, not only because they conceded an equaliser in the last minute but also because the Youngsters played the last part of the match with a man less.

Sabri Rais had put Xewkija in front after 11 minutes but a quick brace by Nadur's Chris Camilleri between the 12th and 15th minutes turned the result in favour of the Youngsters.

However, Xewkija refused to throw in the towel and Mark Camilleri made it 2-2 in the 36th minute.

The second half continued on the same interesting pattern of the first.

Xewkija edged in front on the hour thanks to a penalty by Jason Portelli.

Sixteen minutes later, their task of beating Nadur looked to have been made easier by the dismissal of Nadur goalkeeper Justin Falzon for a foul on Mark Camilleri just outside the area.

Despite this setback, Nadur kept their heads up and created a spell of pressure in the dying moments.

Their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser by Serbian Alex Simoncic one minute from the end of normal time.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

Ghajnsielem 1
Kercem Ajax 2

Kercem Ajax emerged winners from their direct clash for third place against Ghajnsielem.

The three goals scored in this match resulted from penalties, the last two coming deep into stoppage time.

After a goalless first half, Kercem broke the deadlock in the 55th minute from a penalty converted by Dragomir Draganov.

Kercem controlled proceedings after their breakthrough, coming close to sealing their win had Draganov's attempt not produced a fine save by goalkeeper Mercieca.

The Ajax had to wait till the first minute of injury time to double their account.

They were awarded a second penalty for another foul on Draganov. The Bulgarian striker completed the formalities from the spot to make sure of the three points.

There was also time for a consolation goal by Ghajnsielem, Kalenga Ndayi converting a penalty awarded for a handsball by Chris Debrincat.

Referee: George Portelli.