Leaders Xewkija Tigers found it harder than expected to see off Sannat Lions and move six points clear at the top, albeit having played a match more than second-placed Nadur Youngsters.

The Tigers looked over confident as the Lions held territorial supremacy for long stretches despite falling behind on 31 minutes when Chris Camilleri opened the scoring from a penalty, awarded for a Justin Agius infringement inside the box.

But Sannat were not demoralised and ventured forward in attack only to find the Xewkija keeper in their way.

Eleven minutes from time, Xewkija made it 2-0 when a Christian Bugeja shot took a deflection off Mark Camilleri and flew into the Lions net.

In the other two matches, relegation strugglers Victoria Hotspurs and Għajnsielem maintained their survival hopes alive with victories over SK Victoria Wanderers and Xagħra respectively.

The Hotspurs, who had Mark Grima, Oliver Farrugia and Daniel Farrugia missing for this match, turned defeat into victory with two late goals.

The Wanderers took the lead on 67 minutes through substitute Joel Xuereb but Julius Emanche levelled and then gave the Hotspurs three precious points when converting a penalty six minutes from time.

Għajnsielem scored two early goals through Jurgen Tashi and Manwel Cordina to beat Xagħra 2-0. Xagħra played most of the second half with 10 men after Arthur Farrugia was sent off for a second bookable offence.