QORMI-2, MELITA-0
Qormi significantly boosted their chances of avoiding relegation this evening after beating bottom side Melita 2-0.
Both teams were keen to make amends for the defeat they suffered in the last match but it was Qormi who achieved their target thanks to two goals late in the first half.
Melita produced a bold reaction after the break but they couldn't find a way past Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia despite going close on several occasions.
Qormi might have forged ahead as early as the sixth minute. Joseph Chetcuti's cross from a corner flew towards Moises Avila Perez who headed the ball firmly but Giullermo Garcia, the Melita goalkeeper, managed to push the ball away.
George Gribbon then came to Melita's rescue when he dispossessed Avila Perez in the six-yard box.
Melita had to wait until the 18th minute to create their first chance when Julian Galea's grounder from outside the penalty area was stopped by Farrugia.
Avila Perez had a shot stopped by Garcia while, at the other end, Galea ran into the box but his low cross found no takers.
Eight minutes from half-time, Avila Perez served Effiong in the box but the Nigerian's shot was blocked by Gribbon.
Qormi went ahead five minutes from half-time. Kris Thackray's shot was repelled by the Melita defenders but the loose ball came to Avila Perez who hit home.
Three minutes later, Qormi doubled their lead. Zarate stole the ball from the hesitant Karl Vella Petroni outside the box before hammering past Garcia, the ball hitting the Melita goalkeeper on its way in.
Melita needed to get more men forward if they were to revive their hopes. They began the second half in brighter mode. Daniel Cabanillas's shot was saved by Farrugia and Ivan Tufegdzic blasted over from outside the box.
Twenty minutes into the second half, Farrugia denied Melita again when tipping away Manuel Ramon Sierre Camacho's free-kick.
Melita missed a great chance to reopen the issue when, with 15 minutes left, Cabanillas missed the target with only Farrugia to beat.
Substitute Alan Borg Olivier shot narrowly wide as Melita continued to press forward in search of a goal.
The Amateurs had the ball in the net when Cabanillas headed home from a corner action but the Spanish striker was offside.
Avila Perez was named BOV player of the match.