Ghajnsielem maintain title charge

Victoria Hotspurs 2
Ghajnsielem 3

Ghajnsielem had to work harder than expected to beat bottom-placed Victoria Hotspurs and move two points clear of Xewkija Tigers at the top of the standings. The latter, however, have two games in hand.

Daniel Bogdanovic was suspended for the Blacks and the Hotspurs, still without a win, had Edmond Lufi banned but gave debuts to Kent Njoku and Izuchykwo Onuorah.

Ghajnsielem were off to a flier, taking the lead inside the opening minute when Joe Attard tapped home Ndayi Kalenga's cross. The Hotspurs hit back strongly but the Blacks doubled their advantage four minutes from the break with a Kalenga goal.

The Hotspurs pulled one back a minute into the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Mbueko handled the ball in his area. Maczerob Okoro converted from the spot.

In the 58th minute Victoria won a second penalty. This time Mbueko tripped Okoro with the latter again beating Dengaky to put the teams level.

On 77 minutes, Dengaky denied Victoria a third goal with a fine save on Okoro while at the other end, Victoria goalkeeper Ernest Barry was prominent with a series of fine saves. But three minutes from time he could do nothing to stop Do Nascimento's header from hitting the back of the net.

In time added on, the Hotspurs were reduced to ten men when Onourah was shown a second yellow card.

Victoria: E. Barry, N. Borg, J. Buttigieg, S. Eboh (S. Borg 66), J.P. Grima, D. Lautier, K. Njoku, M. Okoro, I. Onuorah, K. Said (J. Xerri 46), M. Vella.

Ghajnsielem: D. Dengaky, D. Iriele, F. Buttigieg, D. Carabott, D. Mbueko, M. Portelli (G. Bencini 46), B. Meilak , J. Attard (L. Scicluna 77), E. Grima (F.L. Galea 75), N. Kalenga, E. Do Nascimento.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Nadur Youngsters 3
Xaghra United 2

Nadur Youngsters have finally broken their duck in the league. The margin of their victory over Xaghra could have been more pronounced had it not been for the fine goalkeeping of Xaghra's Brian Zammit.

Nadur made all the early running with Nwankwo and Joe Camilleri spurning good chances to put their team ahead.

Yet, it was Xaghra who drew first blood on 19 minutes when Leandro Blanco de Castro curled the ball home from a free-kick.

Two minutes later it was almost 2-0 but Nadur goalkeeper Muscat blocked John Camilleri's effort from close in.

Parity was restored on 24 minutes when Charlie Attard scored for Nadur with a fine shot. Then Xaghra goalkeeper Zammit kept out Nkwanko's volley in two attempts three minutes later.

Blanco de Castro was again on target from another free-kick to put Xaghra 2-1 up six minutes from the break. Xaghra were unlucky on 52 minutes when Olalekan's shot hit the post.

Four minutes later, Nadur were awarded a penalty after Camilleri was fouled in the Xaghra area and Nwankwo converted from the spot.

Nadur kept pressing forward and on the hour Alex Simoncic hit the target from a free-kick to put them 3-2 up.

Nadur continued to be more dangerous and Xaghra's goalie Zammit had to be at his best to keep out efforts from Simoncic, Nkwanko, Kevin Buttigieg and Nagem. Then Anthony Portelli and his replacement Frank Azzopardi saw their shots hitting the woodwork.

Nadur: N. Muscat, K. Buttigieg, P. Camilleri, M. Buttigieg, A. Simoncic, M. Bonello, C. Attard, J. Camilleri, R. Nagem, A. Portelli (F. Azzopardi 82), E. Nkwanko

Xaghra: B. Zammit, A. Debono, S. Sultana, L. Blanco de Castro, M. Buhagiar, J. Galea (S.F. Bajada 86), C.F. Bezerra de Lima, J. Sultana (M. Francalanza 75), D. Attard, D. Olalekan, J. Camilleri.

Referee: Paul Caruana.

Division Two Sannat Lions win direct clash

Qala St Joseph 1
Sannat Lions 2

Sannat Lions struck two second-half goals to turn defeat into victory against current runners-up Qala St Joseph. The Lions are the only undefeated team in the division.

Sannat took the upperhand early on but it was Qala who scored through Mark Bonello on 11 minutes. Sannat's best opportunity came in the 21st minute when Mark Muscat's shot was saved by Justin Falzon.

Qala could have increased the score three minutes into the second half but Ihbeulu's shot ended high.

Tarik Belhaj equalised for the Lions directly from a free-kick on 75 minutes. Two minutes later Muscat hit the winner for Sannat, lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Falzon.

Referee: Carmel Attard.

Oratory Youths 5
Gharb Rangers 2

A strong second-half performance saw Oratory Youths cruise to a comfortable win over bottom side Gharb Rangers.

The first half was a balanced affair with both teams missing good chances to take the lead.

Oratory took control of proceedings after ends were changed and managed to open a 4-0 lead with goals from Iassac Chanda (53, 57), Joseph Mercieca (67) and George Vella (72).

Gharb almost re-opened the issue with goals by Shaun Meilaq (74) and Gordon Micallef (76). But, Osy Nkwocha sealed the points for Oratory with a fifth goal scored in the 79th minute.

Referee: Joseph Camilleri.