Qala edge Kerċem to record first win

Kerċem Ajax 1
Mizzi 49
Qala St Joseph 2
Saverino 24 pen.; Xerri 59

Kerċem
M. Grima, M. Vella, A. Tramboo, A. Zammit, J.P. Grima (M. Cordina), F. Bassi, R. Grech, L. Netteb, M. Buttigieg (J. Mizzi), D. Farrugia, J. Xerri.

Qala SJ
M. Mercieca, K. Azzopardi, M. Grech, F. Magrin, D.U. Monday, J. Refalo, R. Williams (L. Dimech), M. Buttigieg (J.N. Attard), C. Sciortino, I. Adesina, A. Adesina.

Referee: Andre Sciriha.

In the only match from the Melita GFA Division One league last weekend, Qala St Joseph beat Kerċem Ajax by the odd goal in three to record their first win of the campaign.

The match was interesting and victory could have gone to either side.

Qala's experience was the key to their success as the Maroons scored their two goals during periods when their opponents looked as though they were gaining the upperhand.

The three points won saw Qala open up a four-point gap on Kerċem. The latter did most of the early running but Qala took the lead against the run of play in the 24th minute. They were awarded a penalty for a foul by goalkeeper Mercieca on Saverino who scored from the 11-metre mark.

Kerċem mounted a strong reaction after the break and levelled matters in the 49th minute through a close-range header by Jean Paul Mizzi.

Buoyed by their equaliser, the Ajax increased their pressure but the Saints regained the lead close to the hour mark when Joe Xerri headed home following a corner action.

This goal helped to liven up the proceedings as the two teams created some good scoring opportunities.

Kerċem squandered a string of openings to level the score mainly through efforts by Milos Stojanovic, Godfrey Emiy and Manuel Tabone.

On the other hand, the Saints might have sealed the issue but Ricardo Saverino failed to hit the target.

Division Two

The two matches from Division Two confirmed the balance between the contenders for promotion.

Last weekend, Għarb Rangers pulled off a surprise by beating favourites Xewkija Tigers 3-1.

Xagħra United turned defeat into victory in their match against bottom-placed Munxar Falcons.

The results maintained the balance in the top part of the standings as only two points separate the leading four teams, namely St Lawrence Spurs, Xagħra, Xewkija and Għarb.

Xagħra United 2
Koci 87; Bajada 90
Munxar Falcons 1
Ogbuleke 78

Referee: Joe Agius.

Għarb Rangers 3
Borg 49; Buttigieg 53 pen; Matthias 67 pen
Xewkija Tigers 1
Buttigieg 72

Referee: Paul Apap.