Sta Venera still top after hard-fought win

Zurrieq 1
Sta Venera Lightnings 2

Sta Venera Lightnings regained top spot after a hard-earned win over Zurrieq who shared the exchanges for most of the match.

Sta Venera almost broke the deadlock after just six minutes but Stephen Said's free-kick was ably saved by Julian Azzopardi. In the 19th minute Robert Bajada went close for Zurrieq and on another occasion an attempt by Joe Lia was stopped by Rapinett.

At the other end, Sta Venera were denied by Azzopardi off a Mark Muscat free-kick with play then ensuing in midfield with very few scoring opportunities.

Sta Venera showed their true mettle after the break and after an Ian Falzon missed chance, they took the lead in the 67th minute thanks to Dylan Mercieca's volley.

Three minutes later Mark Grech increased Sta Venera's lead following an indecision in the Zurrieq defence.

The Lightnings then opted to control their opponents' reaction although deep into stoppage time Zurrieq scored a consolation goal from a well-executed Lia free-kick.

Referee: Glen Tonna.

Kalkara 1
Mgarr United 1

Kalkara created the better opportunities as the match got underway. However, it was Mgarr who found the net first on 15 minutes. A penalty was ordered after a handling infringement inside the Kalkara box and from the spot Malcolm Bugeja made it 1-0.

Kalkara replied in the 22nd minute through Anton Cassar's effort being saved by Fenech and just before the break Fenech was again on hand to deny Anthony Brignone.

Mgarr created three clear chances in the initial stages of the second period and substitute Ian Zammit wasted a glorious scoring opportunity in the 73rd minute. They regretted this error as Kalkara drew level in the 81st minute from a penalty scored by Nicky Gatt.

Two minutes from time Kalkara were reduced to ten players as Dino Pace was sent off for retaliation.

Referee: Mario Apap.

Zejtun Corinthians 0
Sta Lucija 2

Carmel Busuttil's Sta Lucija notched their sixth consecutive victory to enhance their promotion prospects but they were made to fight hard by Zejtun Corinthians who played an excellent match despite their precarious position in the standings.

The Saints went close in the opening minutes through Josef Mansueto and Liam Cutajar. Then they took the lead through Kurt Grima following a fine solo move.

But, from then onwards Zejtun piled up the pressure and after having a Godwin Mifsud goal disallowed for a dubious offside position, they were twice denied by Saints' keeper Duane Carabott off efforts by Andy Portelli.

Just before the break, Zejtun were unlucky when Portelli's attempt hit the foot of the post.

During the second period, the Saints gained the upperhand in midfield but it was Zejtun who were denied by Carabott. He was on the right spot to keep out Elton Caruana's drive.

The Saints practically made sure of the points in the 58th minute when Grima fed Cutajar who blasted home to make it 2-0.

Referee: Duncan Sultana.

Luqa St Andrews 1
Pembroke Athleta 2

Ambitious Pembroke stayed in touch with the teams vying for promotion but had to sweat for the points as Luqa made a fight out of it and deserved not to finish empty-handed for their display.

Luqa created the early opportunities through Owen Psaila and Emanuel Cumbo, but gradually, Pembroke assumed the initiative and in the 28th minute they claimed a penalty for a handling infringement by a Luqa defender off an attempt by Antvin Monsigneur.

Luqa deservedly took the lead in the 39th minute through Jesmond Azzopardi's shot from the edge of the area. But two minutes before the break, Andre Cachia equalised for Pembroke following an inswinging Joe Gauci corner.

Luqa were the better team throughout the second half with Pembroke goalkeeper Debattista bringing off difficult saves to deny Jesmond Micallef and Ronald Spina.

Pembroke scored the winner against the run of play through Jeffrey Fenech's crosshot which caught Colin Gatt unawares.

Four minutes from time Luqa could have obtained an equaliser but Adrian Psaila, all alone in front of goal, hit high over the bar.

Referee: Chris Francalanza.