Ghajnsielem upset champions

Newly crowned Gozo champions Zebbug Rovers went down 2-1 to Ghajnsielem in their first outing since they secured their title. Matters at the wrong end of the table remained unsolved after Kercem Ajax and Xewkija Tigers won their final matches.

Zebbug Rovers 1
Ghajnsielem 2

Ghajnsielem extended their winning form when defeating champions Zebbug Rovers. The Blacks, who upset Nadur the previous weekend, made sure of third place in the table thanks to the three points they obtained at the expense of Zebbug.

Ghajnsielem took the lead on 28 minutes from a penalty converted by Kalenga Ndayi after Scicluna fouled Tramboo inside the box.

The Rovers staged an immediate reaction, going close with efforts by Silvan Galea and Leandro. It took them just five minutes to get back on equal terms when Galea scored with a low drive following a fine move by Manuel Cordina.

Zebbug were more aggressive after the restart and Galea and Leandro threatened to put the champions in the driving seat.

However, it was Ghajnsielem who regained the lead in the 66th minute after an own goal by Magrin who guided the ball in his team's goal in an attempt to clear a cross by Ndayi.

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi.

Sannat Lions 1
Kercem Ajax 2

Kercem Ajax won their relegation clash against Sannat Lions in their final fixture from the championship but their fate still depends on the outcome of the last championship match.

It was a well-deserved victory for the Ajax who played better than their opponents and defended their lead without difficulty.

In a balanced first half, Kercem were dangerous with efforts by Dragomir Draganov while Sannat had only one serious attempt but Conti's header ended just wide.

Kercem moved ahead in the 47th minute with a close-range header by Draganov following a free-kick by Elton Vella.

Nine minutes after the restart, Sannat were awarded a penalty for a foul by Azzopardi on Dione Lautier. The same Lautier made no mistake from the 11-metre spot to make it 1-1.

However, Kercem quickly regained the initiative and restored their lead in the 62nd minute when Ryan Buttigieg's angled shot found its way into the net after a confused action in Sannat's area.

Sannat tried to regroup but failed to trouble Kercem who missed two very good scoring opportunities to close the issue through Draganov.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

Victoria Hotspurs 2
Xewkija Tigers 5

Xewkija Tigers obtained their second consecutive victory in the championship to improve their chances of maintaining their status.

This was the final league match for both Victoria Hotspurs and Xewkija Tigers. The Hotspurs have already confirmed their fourth-place finish but Xewkija needed full points to keep their survival hopes alive.

The Tigers' early flurry saw them taking a three-goal lead inside the first 21 minutes with goals from Jeffrey Farrugia (9), Jason Portelli (19) and Mark Camilleri (21).

Xewkija controlled Victoria's reaction before Farrugia scored his second of the game on 56 minutes to make it 4-0.

Two minutes later, the Hotspurs reduced the arrears with a good header by John Paul Grima but soon it was 5-1 thanks to Farrugia who completed his hat-trick by concluding a fine move by Jason Portelli.

Sixteen minutes from time, Victoria scored their second goal through Marvic Buttigieg and could have decreased their losing margin but two efforts by Uwa Ogbodo ended just wide.

Referee: Ian Miller.