Deserved win for Tigers

Xewkija Tigers beat Sannat Lions 2-0 on Sunday to go provisionally top of the GFA Division One standings, one point ahead of Nadur Youngsters, who have a game in hand.

In another match from the top flight, SK Victoria Wanderers came from behind to beat lowly Għajnsielem 3-1.

Xewkija had a strong opening half and scored the goals that decided the issue in the space of seven minutes following goals by Mark Camilleri (21) and Rodney Buttigieg (28).

In between, Sannat lost a golden opportunity to level the score but Eric Nwankwo fired over the bar from a good position.

Xewkija could have scored other goals until half-time but Chris Camilleri missed the target on various attempts.

Sannat had a strong reaction in the second half and went close with a header by Noel Borg from a corner. Xewkija, however, regained control but were unable to add more goals to their tally despite the chances that fell at the feet of the Camilleri duo, Chris and John.

In the end, the Tigers fully deserved the three points at stake to continue with their challenge at the top of the standings.

SK Victoria Wanderers registered their seventh consecutive positive result in the championship to move third in the standings but six points behind the leaders.

The Citizens were erratic in their finishing after seeing more ball in the opening half.

They were punished for the missed chances as the Blacks broke the deadlock on 52 minutes with a Josef Xerri goal.

But the Wanderers were not to be denied and after Joseph Vella had levelled matters, Kenneth Mercieca turned the tide in his team’s favour after a quick break launched by Edinson Sanchez Estrada.

New Għajnsielem striker Jurgen Tashi, of Albania, almost drew the teams level again with a menacing shot but the score became 3-1 eight minutes from time when Sanchez Estrada hit home from a corner.

One minute from time, the Wanderers were awarded a penalty for a foul by Jonathan Grech on Ajibade Adesina. Grech was sent off for protests but Adesina’s spot-kick was stopped by Richard Sammut.

Division Two

Leaders Kerċem Ajax extended their gap over the second-placed team in the standings to 12 points following a 5-2 win over Qala Saints who, surprisingly, held a two-goal lead up to the hour mark following goals by Daniel Cutajar (18) and Mario Mifsud (31 penalty).

But Kerċem hit back strongly to preserve their unbeaten record in the league and scored five times through Malcolm Vella (61, 72), Jean Paul Mizzi (74), Marlon Mamo (80) and Josef Debrincat (90) to secure their 10th victory from 11 outings.

Oratory Youths were unable to keep up with Kerċem as they were surprisingly beaten by bottom-placed Għarb Rangers 2-1.

This was the first positive result for Rangers in the league championship.

Oratory opened the score on 68 minutes through Francesco Cini but an Alan Cini brace on 76 and 81 minutes saw Għarb taking the lead.

More woes awaited Oratory as Reuben Mercieca was dismissed three minutes from time.

St Lawrence Spurs are now equal on points with Oratory thanks to a 4-0 win over Żebbuġ Rovers.

The Spurs scored two goals in each half through Daniel Micallef (37) and Fabian Cini (39) and Jonathan Micallef (72) and Nicholas Micallef (82).