Mellieha go second after 3-1 win

Dingli Swallows 0
Vittoriosa Stars 0

This was a just result between two teams who are still unbeaten after five matches.

Both sides had a player sent off during the second period in a match which was balanced throughout the 90 minutes.

Dingli went close first early on through Steve Baldacchino and Jeremy Agius. Vittoriosa also moved forward but Lawrence Mizzi missed his chance following a good move by Jeffrey Zammit.

On 34 minutes Dingli won a free-kick which was taken by Stefan Farrugia. Brian Micallef headed wide from close range. At the other end, Dingli's no.1 Ivan Cassar effected a fine save off a Zammit delivery from a free-kick.

Vittoriosa were looking to climb second in the standings by beating Dingli but their hopes were dealt a blow soon after the break when Marco Sultana was sent off following an incident with Agius, a decision hotly disputed by the players.

Thirteen minutes from time Dingli lost defender Etienne Farrugia. He was sent off for a second caution. Three minutes from time Vittoriosa keeper Reuben Grech made a fine save to deny Agius.

Referee: Gordon Barbara.

Gzira United 0
Zebbug Rangers 0

Although Zebbug Rangers dictated the run of play for long stretches, they found it hard to break down Gzira's defensive barrier. The Maroons played one of their best matches and fully deserved the point they won against a team still unbeaten this season.

After just six minutes Rangers' keeper Mark Vella made a difficult save to deny Jason Galea with Zebbug hitting back with attempts from Gordon Mallia and Justin Felice. Ranier Farrugia was well-positioned to save his fort.

Zebbug pressed forward after the interval and after just three minutes they wasted a clear opportunity through Rodney Bugeja. Vella twice held his own on shots from Carlo Leonardi and Malcolm Sultana.

The Rangers doubled up their efforts in the final 15 minutes but it was Gzira who created the best opportunity only for Vella to dive full-strech and save Nicholas Corito's shot.

Referee: Ian Miller.

Mellieha 3
Gozo FC 1

On Monday, Ilir Pelinku's Mellieha chalked up their third consecutive victory to move within one point from leaders Balzan Youths. The latter, however, have a game in hand.

Mellieha were superior to a disappointing Gozo team. During the first half there was only one team on the pitch. After just four minutes Mellieha wasted an easy opportunity through Ibrahim Tarik as shots by Reuben Vella and William Borg scraped the Gozitan bar.

On 22 minutes Mellieha were awarded a penalty for a handling infringement by Gozitan defender Charles Mercieca. Tarik converted from the spot.

Tarik then wasted a sitter in the 27th minute as Gozo FC gradually started making a reaction even though they failed to carve out any scoring opportunities.

Just before the interval Gozo 'keeper Xuereb stopped Mario Debono's grounder but Tarik was on hand to tap the loose ball into the net.

After the change of ends it was again Mellieha who had a good start. After hitting the upright through Tarik, it was the same player who notched a hat-trick in the 57th minute with a superb volley from the edge of the box.

Gozo captain Brian Meilaq reduced the arrears four minutes later and the 'visitors' were again close through Meilaq and Christian Bugeja later on.

A minute from time Mellieha goalkeeper Vella made a difficult save to deny Meilaq from bridging the gap even further.

Referee: George Bitri.

Attard 1
Gharghur 0

A first-half goal by striker Marvin Fenech paved the way for Attard's first league victory of the season.

This match saw Gharghur dictating matters throughout the 90 minutes but Attard's defensive tactics worked to perfection as Gharghur suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Gharghur dominated the proceedings during the first period but they were denied on various occasions by Attard's alert goalkeeper Tyron Spiteri.

He was on hand to stop shots from Mark Psaila and Joe Mercieca and on another occasion an effort by Karl Vella Petroni just missed the Attard goal.

Spiteri was excellent again to hold out a Psaila drive and a Ryan Debattista shot as Gharghur pressed forward and pounded Attard's defensive lines.

However, Gharghur were shocked on 39 minutes as it was Attard who broke the deadlock, Fenech hitting home following a cross by Josef Axisa.

Gharghur maintained territorial superiority throughout the second half with Attard suffering another setback in the 57th minute when midfielder Jason Cassar was sent off for a second booking.

Despite the numerical handicap, Gharghur still ventured forward but Attard were solid at the back as they held on to their slender but very precious lead.

Referee: Andre Arciola.