Xewkija Tigers chalked up a 4-1 win over Xagħra United to join Nadur Youngsters at the top after the latter were held to a one-all draw by SK Victoria Wanderers.
With Xewkija and Nadur level on 26 points from 11 games, their second round match on February 26 is likely to decide the title outcome.
Nadur were determined to take maximum points from their clash with SK Victoria to make up for their heavy defeat in the corresponding first-round match and to defend their two-point lead over Xewkija.
The Youngsters dictated matters for most of the first half but found it hard to break down the opposing defence.
By contrast, the Wanderers were very dangerous on the counter and Nadur goalkeeper Matthew Muscat effected difficult saves to deny Edinson Sanchez Estrada, Ajibade Adesina and Kenneth Mercieca.
Eight minutes into the second half, it was Nadur who opened the scoring when Jeffrey Meilaq heading home from close range following a corner action.
The Youngsters retained the initiative and minutes later, they were unlucky not to increase their lead when Milos Stojanovic’s free-kick hit the crossbar.
The Citizens recovered from this difficult patch as their fast breaks continued to stretch Nadur. They managed to level matters seven minutes from time through a low strike by Kenneth Mercieca following a fine move by Sanchez Estrada.
Three minutes from time, Nadur were reduced to 10 men when Charles Hili was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The Wanderers came close to scoring a dramatic winner in the dying moments. Ajibade Adesina’s close-range effort was blocked by Muscat and from the rebound, the same Adesina concluded wide.
Xewkija Tigers were given a tough ride by Xagħra United in the first half.
Xagħra missed some chances to go ahead and Xewkija made them pay as they forged ahead on 37 minutes, Chris Camilleri finding the net with a low strike.
In stoppage time, Camilleri doubled Xewkija’s lead when his shot from outside the area was deflected into the net.
Xagħra tried to reopen the issue on the restart but Xewkija netted another two goals to seal victory.
Four minutes into the second half, John Camilleri hit home from close in following a cross by Christian Bugeja and on the hour, Mark Camilleri added a fourth when guiding the ball into an open goal following a header by John Camilleri.
Xagħra got a consolation goal on 68 minutes, Ejo Nkwocha scoring with a low shot following a pass from Thiago Dos Santos.
In the other top-flight match, Għajnsielem registered their first win of the season after beating Sannat Lions by the odd goal in three.
The Blacks have now joined fellow strugglers Victoria Hotspurs on five points with Sannat five points ahead of the bottom duo.
A well-contested match was decided in the second half.
Għajnsielem took the lead on 63 minutes when Stephan Azzopardi lobbed the ball home.
Sannat staged a good reaction and their efforts were rewarded a minute from time when skipper Mark Muscat produced a fine shot from outside the area.
However, barely a minute later, Għajnsielem were awarded a penalty for a foul by Noel Borg on Joe Attard. Jason Portelli converted from the spot to hand the Blacks their first victory in 11 matches.
Division Two
In Division Two, leaders Kerċem Ajax maintained their unbeaten run with a 6-1 rout of Munxar Falcons.
Sabri Rais, who scored a brace, Marlon Mamo, Chris Attard, Malcolm Vella and Josef Debrincat scored Kerċem’s goals while Mario Azzopardi netted Munxar’s solitary goal from a second-half penalty.
Dione Lautier struck twice to help Oratory Youths beat Żebbuġ 4-0. Francesco Cini and Shaun Attard were also on target for Oratory.
St Lawrence Spurs edged neighbours Għarb Rangers 1-0 thanks to John Paul Grima’s goal five minutes from half-time.