St Lawrence make it two in a row

St Lawrence Spurs moved four points off bottom place after having the better of struggling Xewkija Tigers last weekend.

This was the second successive win for the Saints. They are now level on six points with Victoria Hotspurs and Għajnsielem who shared the spoils in a one-all draw.

Xewkija looked more aggressive at the start as St Lawrence suffered a setback on 28 minutes when Glenn Cefai was sent off for a second caution.

Samuel Micallef, of St Lawrence, was the busier keeper for most of the first half, effecting two difficult saves to keep out a Josef Xerri free-kick and a shot by Christian Bugeja.

Xewkija were also reduced to 10 players five minutes from half-time when Patrick Camilleri was dismissed for a second booking. Xewkija were unlucky not to go ahead when a Bugeja strike hit the crossbar.

The Tigers continued to press forward after the break but missed good opportunities through Joseph Cefai and Rodney Buttigieg while an effort by Ibrahim Tarik, who was making his first appearance in Gozitan football, was cleared off the line by Paul Camilleri.

Xewkija were punished for their profligacy. On 64 minutes, Christopher Cauchi dashed into the Xewkija box but was floored by Josmar Vella. The referee awarded St Lawrence a penalty and dismissed the defender.

Franco Franchino scored from the spot to put the Spurs in front.

Xewkija drove forward despite their numerical handicap but the Spurs made sure of victory with a second goal in added time thanks to substitute Matthew Francalanza.

Champions Victoria Hotspurs and Għajnsielem failed to impress in a 1-1 draw.

The Blacks opened the scoring two minutes after the half hour from an Alex Simoncic free-kick. Għajnsielem could have doubled their lead minutes later but Kalenga Ndayi blasted high from an inviting position.

The Hotspurs levelled the score on 52 minutes with a goal from substitute Ryan Grech following a blunder inside the opponents’ half.

Għajnsielem had a player sent off four minutes from time when Ferdinando Apap was red-carded for a second bookable offence.

Division Two

Xagħra’s Daniel Bartolo came off the bench to score a last-gasp goal in the third minute of stoppage time and earn a point for his side in a 1-1 draw against fellow promotion contenders Kerċem Ajax.

Xagħra thus completed their first round matches unbeaten and five points clear of the Ajax, who have a match in hand.

Kerċem were undoubtedly the better side during the first period and deserved their one-goal lead thanks to Josef Debrincat.

Xagħra hit back strongly after the break and with Kerċem down to 10 men, following the dismissal of Marlon Mamo on 79 minutes, Bartolo hit the equaliser in a dramatic finale.

In another match, Żebbuġ Rovers easily beat Għarb Rangers in a clash of mid-table teams.

Żebbuġ scored three times in the opening half through Alex Tramboo (2) and Manuel Cordina. Mario Azzopardi made it 4-0 on 53 minutes, Victor John Saliba reduced the deficit for Għarb from a penalty and Rovers skipper Tramboo completed his hat-trick to give Żebbuġ a 5-1 success.