Sannat Lions’ lead at the top of the GFA Division One standings was cut to just one point last weekend as the Greens were unable to beat Victoria Hotspurs and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Close pursuers, Għajnsielem, took advantage of Sannat’s second successive draw in the league by beating lowly St Lawrence Spurs 2-0 to move within striking distance of the league leaders.
The match between Sannat and Victoria Hotspurs produced some entertaining fare as the two sides took to the field with all guns blazing even though it was the Hotspurs who held command of play for most of the first period.
Belgian striker Ossama Madah was making his debut for the Hotspurs and together with Kalin Ganchev both were a continuous threat to Sannat who also had central defender Sounre Sedov marking his first match in the Gozitan league.
Victoria were eager to chalk up some points in their bid to move off the lower end of the standings and their efforts were rewarded when Madah netted from a rebound on 36 minutes.
The Hotspurs kept insisting and they doubled the score three minutes from half-time when Ganchev hit home following a fast break by Madah.
However, the Citizens lifted their foot off the pedal after the break, allowing Sannat to get back into the reckoning.
John Camilleri reduced the arrears on 66 minutes with a timely header and the same Sannat striker levelled the scores six minutes later from a corner.
Both sides pushed more men forward in the late stages of the match in search of a winner but the score remained unchanged.
Għajnsielem’s win over St Lawrence came with the least possible effort as the Blacks opened the score on 15 minutes through Thiago dos Santos.
Ferdinando Apap had a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside following a fine move initiated by newcomer Mark Camilleri (ex-Xewkija Tigers) and on 59 minutes Dos Santos was unlucky when his shot hit the post.
Għajnsielem sealed the issue with a second goal three minutes from time through Dos Santos following a perfect Apap pass.
Division Two
Leaders Xagħra United opened a five-point lead at the top of the standings following a 1-0 victory over Kerċem Ajax.
Xagħra United held more of the initiative but Kerċem, who were held to a goalless draw by nine-man Żebbuġ Rovers in another match from the Division Two championship, had the better scoring opportunities as Blues’ keeper Matthew Vella produced a series of fine saves which ultimately denied the Ajax from returning home with at least a point in their bags.
The goal that decided the issue arrived on 68 minutes when Daniel Bartolo netted from close distance following a short clearance by the Kerċem rearguard.
Meanwhile, Munxar Falcons registered a handsome 4-1 win over Għarb Rangers in a basement clash.
The Falcons opened the score on 11 minutes through Joseph Mizzi but Charlon Grima levelled matters soon after.
However, Munxar regained the lead on 26 minutes with a Shaun Attard goal and they made sure with two more goals after the break through Mario Azzopardi (71) and Daniel Pace (83).