Senglea and Mqabba go second after 2-1 wins

San Gwann 1
Senglea Athletic 2

Senglea yesterday climbed to the second placing in the standings behind leaders Marsa after beating San Gwann who only sparked to life in the late stages when they tried to save the match.

The opening half was stale with both teams adopting a kick-and-rush style of play. There were very few goalmouth actions as San Gwann took a cautious approach and closed tight at the back.

Senglea played more direct football though and looked determined to return to winning ways after the upset to Mqabba in their previous outing.

Mark Psaila could have given San Gwann an early lead but his shot from the edge of the box flashed just wide of Attard's goal. Senglea had a Silvio Sciberras 17th-minute effort blocked, the ball ran into the path of Duncan Grech who missed a good chance from an ideal position.

Richard Mercieca's Senglea insisted in attack and drew dividends on 26 minutes when the unmarked Malcolm Tirchett hit home after receiving from Leonid McKay.

San Gwann were jolted and Kenneth Abela should have made it 2-0 soon after but missed the target when it had looked easier to score.

The Saints, with substitute Joseph Achockwu in the team, improved after the break. On 62 minutes, the Nigerian surged on a blazing run but his eventual shot was neutralised by Attard.

But the efficient Senglea team practically made sure of the points on 70 minutes when keeper Bartolo failed to rush out and close the way for Abela who lobbed home after he was put through by Tirchett.

San Gwann tried desperately hard not to finish empty-handed but all they had to show at the end was a consolation goal which came from a Psaila free-kick that was deviated into his own net by Senglea defender Simon Aquilina.

San Gwann: M. Bartolo, S. Vella, A. Decesare, S. Zammit Fava, A. Saliba, W. Spiteri (R. Penza), C. Gatt (C. Agius), K. Loughborough (J. Achockwu), M. Psaila, K. Sciberras, K. Cuschieri.

Senglea: G. Attard, M. Tirchett (T. Thomas), S. Aquilina, L. McKay, S. Sciberras (G. Magri), G. Bonello, K. Abela (A. Farrugia), T. Ghirxi, D. Grech, E. Bobolayefa, D. Aquilina.

Referee: Lorry Sammut.

Mqabba 2
Naxxar Lions 1

Mqabba confirmed their potential in Division One after beating ten-man Naxxar Lions in a game which Mario Calleja's team dominated for long stretches.

Naxxar played on a par before they had Jonathan Mifsud sent off on the stroke of half-time but Mqabba were technically the better side and showed brighter ideas to chalk up three precious points and join Senglea in second place.

Mqabba took an early lead which paved the way for their victory.

A Jean Paul Muscat cross from the left did not look dangerous as Jonathan Mifsud was covering the ball in front of his own goalkeeper. However, the Naxxar defender hesitated and failed to clear giving Uchenna Anywanna enough time to nip in and head home.

Naxxar were unlucky not to draw level two minutes later when Jerry Ani's first-time effort from just inside the area was cleared off the line by Martin Borg with goalkeeper Kris Calleja beaten.

Mqabba were in control and got more wind in their sails in the 44th minute when Mifsud was dismissed for a second booking after a foul on Marlon Briffa.

Naxxar never threw in the towel even though it was Mqabba who still enjoyed most of the possession. They doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Muscat sped past the opponents' defence before hitting low into the back of the net - superb goal, 2-0.

Mqabba had other chances to score again but found Calleja in their way. Ten minutes from time Muscat and Briffa worked out an excellent move but the latter blasted wide from a good position.

Deep into stoppage time the Lions pulled one back thanks to Ani but by that time Mqabba had already been home and dry.

Mqabba: K. Calleja, R. Farrugia (A. Formosa), A. Busuttil, E. Lufi, M.A. Psaila, M. Briffa (I.Zammit), J.P. Muscat, M. Borg, J. Felice (A. Hili), U. Anywanna, E. Borg.

Naxxar: R. Cini, P. Sixsmith, J. Mifsud, K. Schembri (D. Zuccaro), R. Schembri, T. Fenech, V. Bellia, K. Agius (M. Spiteri Gonzi), P. Fenech, C. Mifsud (G. Camilleri), J. Ani.