Mqabba leave it late

Mqabba 4
Naxxar Lions 2

Leaders Mqabba moved a step closer towards top-flight football next season with yet another win. However, they were made to fight harder than expected against a determined Naxxar side who played the entire second half with ten players.

When Ismael Zammit was sent off for Naxxar on the stroke of half-time with Mqabba leading 2-0, it seemed Joey Falzon's side were in for an easy ride. Yet, Naxxar refused to throw in the towel and almost stunned Mqabba who scored two late goals after the Lions drew level at 2-2.

Mqabba saw more of the early possession but midway through the first half, Anizoba slid the ball towards unmarked Naxxar team-mate Debono whose shot forced Kris Calleja into a fine save.

However, on 28 minutes, Alex Ribic put Mqabba ahead with a powerful drive from the edge of the box and seven minutes from half-time Jean Paul Muscat made it 2-0 after Mercieca mistimed his sortie following a cross.

Naxxar were reduced to ten men on 44 minutes when Zammit was cautioned for a second time.

Everyone thought Naxxar were about to crumble and suffer more goals but less than a minute after the restart they signalled their intention of a fightback when S. Muscat's shot was saved in style by Calleja from an Anizoba cross.

That was the prelude to what was to come as Naxxar surprisingly levelled the score with two goals in two minutes.

On 67 minutes, Magri's corner was brilliantly met by substitute Camilleri who headed home and soon after Debono's cross-shot was fumbled by Calleja and Anizoba was at hand to make it two-all.

Mqabba were shocked but key player Jean Paul Muscat notched an important goal on 80 minutes with a rasping grounder that gave Mercieca no chance.

Deep into injury time, Muscat turned provider as he slipped a perfect pass towards Ribic who was quick to bury the ball into the net for a final 4-2 scoreline.

Mqabba: K. Calleja, R. Southward, L. Galea, A. Ribic, N. Baldacchino (J. Abela), J.P. Muscat, M. Cocks, C. Calleja, E. Borg, M. Anastasi, G. Scerri (D. Demanuele).

Naxxar: J. Mercieca, J. Brincat (G. Camilleri), M. Spiteri Gonzi, K. Fenech, F. Debono (K. Grech), I. Zammit, T. Fenech (A. Catania), S. Muscat, G. Magri, P. Anizoba, J.P. Zahra.

Referee: Chris Lautier.

Senglea Athletic 0
Vittoriosa Stars 0

Normally, derbies provide passion, drama and commitment. However, this anticipated clash between neighbours Senglea and Vittoriosa was a dull affair characterised by a lack of creativity and goalmouth action as both sides returned home with a point each following a barren draw.

In the corresponding first-round fixture, the two sides shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

With Vittoriosa in the relegation mire, the onus was on them to venture forward to ease their worries. But, nearly half an hour had elapsed before they created a decent chance when Uchanna Anywanna's header shaved the Senglea bar.

Five minutes from half-time, Anywanna's shot was blocked in time by the Senglea rearguard and goalkeeper George Attard then had to dash off his line to pounce on the ball before Vittoriosa's Scerri could connect to an inviting pass.

Senglea had a golden opportunity to take the lead on the hour. Timothy Thomas latched on to a cross but his weak attempt was easily neutralised by Cassar. At the other end, Trevor Thomas thought he had done enough to earn the Stars the lead but his shot was repelled by Attard.

Veteran Ivan Zammit was a second-half substitute for Vittoriosa as they tried to find a breakthrough. Zammit was soon in the thick of action as he delivered an inch-perfect pass towards Adami who lost his balance from a good position.

Senglea had a Grech shot that sailed wide on 68 minutes but that was the closest they came during the whole match.

The Vittoriosa fans were on their feet late on when Anywanna broke free before releasing Scerri in the Senglea box but Attard was alert to divert the ensuing shot to a corner.

Zammit missed a sitter in front of goal two minutes from time after dribbling past his marker with incredible ease.

Senglea: G. Attard, L. Attard, D. Cosaitis, D. Grech, T. Thomas, C. Caruana, E. Azzopardi, C. Dozie, M. Borg, F. Dingli (J. Gatt), G. Bonello.

Vittoriosa: I. Cassar, S. Calleja (I. Zammit), R. Adami, J. Camilleri, S. Privitelli, L. Scerri, T. Thomas, A. Guazzo (E. Amaira), U. Anywanna, D. Gatt, C. Sciberras.

Referee: Joe Attard.