Sannat and Xewkija lose perfect record

Sannat Lions and Xewkija Tigers suffered identical 1-0 defeats last weekend, their first of the season.

Nadur are now joint leaders with the same Sannat and Xewkija while Kercem are only two points behind.

Kercem Ajax 1
Xewkija Tigers 0

Kercem Ajax are back in the reckoning. This was a deserved victory for Tony Grech's team in a match considered by many as the first real test for Xewkija's title credentials.

Xewkija created the better chances but goalkeeper Aktpan saved all that came his way. The goal that decided the issue arrived in the 23rd minute. A John Paul Mizzi free-kick was headed on by Elton Vella and Joseph Grech was free to guide the ball home from close in.

In the 31st minute, Christian Bugeja hesitated in front of Aktpan and had his shot blocked by Kercem's extreme defender.

Action was on both sides with Debono doing well to hold out an Alfred Effiong strike and Aktpan neutralising a Sabri Rais drive.

Kercem had Charles Hili sent off for a second caution ten minutes after the break.

However, Xewkija's only danger was a Bugeja shot from the distance that finished well over the bar as the Ajax forwards failed to profit from a couple of favourable situations after quick counter breaks.

Kercem: I. Aktpan, F. Camilleri, J.P. Mizzi, B. Portelli, J. Vella, M. Azzopardi, C. Hili, M. Cutajar, E. Vella, J. Grech (R. Buttigieg), A. Effiong.

Xewkija: S. Debono, J. Cordina, R. Camilleri, M. Cremona, B. Njoku, J. Azzopardi, D. Cilia (S. Mizzi), J. Ngangue, C. Bugeja, S. Rais, J. Achukwu.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Nadur Youngsters 1
Sannat Lions 0

Nadur profited from Sannat's slip-up to move high in the standings after toppling Sannat from their perch. This was a hotly-contested encounter which resulted into three expulsions near the end.

Nadur practically took the driving seat with an early goal that not only decided the issue but also threw Sannat's plans into disarray.

The goal that mattered was scored after two minutes when Alex Simoncic surprised goalkeeper Paul Galea from a free-kick.

Nadur were the ones who showed the brighter ideas for most of the match. They took command of midfield and rarely let Sannat any space where to manoeuvre.

On one occasion, Noel Borg did try his luck when put through by Ricardo Saverino but shot wide of the Nadur goal.

Sannat added more punch in attack after the break but Nadur never lost composure.

Simoncic was close with another free-kick and nine minutes from time Sannat suffered a setback when captain Sandro Azzopardi was sent off for a second yellow card.

Nadur had captain Anthony Portelli shown the red card in stoppage time and then Alex Tramboo was dismissed for a professional foul on Nadur substitute Mario Bonello.

Nadur: J. Xuereb, F.P. Azzopardi (A. Camilleri), S.A. Cauchi (P. Buttigieg), J. Meilaq, J. Camilleri, A. Simoncic, C. Attard, M. Portelli, A. Ribic, A. Portelli, J. Portelli (M. Bonello).

Sannat: P. Galea, S. Azzopardi, M. Formosa, A. Tramboo, C. de Oliveira, P. Said, N. Borg, M. Muscat, M. Touali (R. Mercieca), R. Saverino, M. Camilleri.

Referee: Gordon Barbara.

Division Two

Victoria Hotspurs 1
Qala St Joseph 3

Scorers: VH - R. Sacco (83). QSJ - J. Xerri (16); K. Mercieca (46); M. Bonello (47 pen).

Referee: Mario Apap.

St Lawrence Spurs 4
Gharb Rangers 1

Scorers: SLS - O. Abimbola (29, 39); J. Micallef (65, 75). GR - R. Vella (55 pen).

Referee: Paul Apap.