Blacks close gap as Sannat held to a draw

Għajnsielem profited from a partial Sannat Lions slip-up to close the gap at the top of the standings to three points. Leaders Sannat were not able to go beyond a 1-1 draw with SK Victoria Wanderers as the Blacks beat Victoria Hotspurs 2-1.

Sannat seized the initiative right from the start but were denied from opening the score by Wanderers’ keeper Franklin Vella who stopped the shots coming from Chris Camilleri, Fernando de Andrade and John Camilleri.

The Wanderers upped their game and had an Ige Adesina header cleared off the line before they opened the score on 52 minutes through a strike by Ajibade Adesina.

An Ige Adesina shot was saved by Adrian Parnis as the Wanderers threatened to double their lead but Sannat snatched the equaliser on 67 minutes when a shot from the distance by Chris Camilleri surprised the Wanderers keeper.

Għajnsielem had an excellent start to their match against Victoria Hotspurs and opened the score early on thanks to a Thiago dos Santos strike.

The Hotspurs levelled matters soon after through Kevin Farrugia but Għajnsielem regained the lead on 17 minutes when player-coach Alex Simoncic scored from a free-kick.

The Blacks opted for prudence as the Citizens pressed forward in search of an equaliser.

The Hotspurs were unlucky on 56 minutes when a shot by Oliver Farrugia hit the woodwork. Għajn-sielem trio Ferdinando Apap, Dos Santos and Kenneth Mercieca all had opportunities to increase their team’s lead but concluded badly.

In the dying moments a free-kick by Mario Mifsud came off the Għajnsielem woodwork and in the action that followed a Kalin Ganchev effort fell just wide of target.

In Division Two, Żebbuġ Rovers consolidated their second place with a 2-0 win over Għarb Rangers.

Żebbuġ, however, found it harder than expected as their mid-table opponents produced a solid defensive display that frustrated the Rovers who only opened the score on 62 minutes through substitute Manwel Cordina.

Cordina made sure of victory with a second goal on 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, Munxar Falcons registered their first win of the campaign after beating fellows-in-distress Qala Saints 2-0.

Munxar’s victory matured with two goals after the half-time break scored by Joseph Hili and Matthew Debrincat.