Luqa captain Chris Cardona is stopped by two Vittoriosa players. Photo: Joe Borg

Matthew Schembri was Żurrieq’s inspirational player, scoring five goals to help his side overcome Mosta 9-5 after another round of matches from the FXDD Premier Division was played at the Corradino Sports Pavilion.

It was Żurrieq’s fourth league victory which helped them climb up the standings, joining Mosta and Vittoriosa on the 13-point mark.

Tyron Borg scored a hat-trick while Matthew Scerri got the other goal for Żurrieq.

Meanwhile, Luqa produced one of their best performances this season after seeing off knock-out finalists Vittoriosa Stars 6-3.

Luqa, led by Alex Falzon, had Chris Cardona producing a fine performance to help his team collect the three points.

Luqa’s scorers were Mark Buhagiar (2), Andrew Scerri, Cardona, Clint Mifsud and Keith Mifsud.

Steve Ferriggi, Kurt Azzopardi and Luke Stivala reduced the arrears for Vittoriosa.

Birżebbuġa turned defeat into victory after fighting back from two goals behind to overcome Melita 8-5.

Qrendi reclaimed sole leadership in the FXDD First Division after disposing of Santa Luċija 8-0.

Antonello Brincat (4), Ġorġ Falzon, Luke Zammit, Clayton Borg and Ronald Spina were on the scoresheet for Qrendi.

Żebbuġ Rangers had two contrasting results in the space of a week.

In their direct clash with Gżira United, they gave up a 3-1 lead, going down 6-3.

Josh Parry scored four goals with Alessio Restuccia adding two for the winners.

Karstin Cilia scored a hat-trick for Żebbuġ.

Three days later, Żebbuġ returned to winning ways after beating neighbours Siġġiewi 8-2.

Żebbuġ’s goals were scored by Ricky Zammit and Jamie Portelli, who scored a brace each, Matthew Agius, Bernard Bonnici, Alan Zammit and Jonathan Scerri.

Siġġiewi had temporarily levelled matters with goals from Benji Briffa and James Borg.

Meanwhile, Valletta dropped their first points in 2014 after being held to a 4-4 draw by Sirens.

A draw against the former leaders was a boost for Sirens whose goals came from Etienne Bonnici, Robert Darmanin, Patrick Barbara and Darren Atchinson.

Dylan Agius scored a hat-trick for Valletta with Dassier Borg getting the other goal.

Sixth-placed Fgura narrowly defeated Msida 5-4 to register their 10th win of the season and stay in a top-six position in the standings.

Mqabba were back on track with an 8-4 victory over Kalkara while Siġġiewi edged past fifth-placed Naxxar Lions by the odd goal in three in another Division One game.

Standings

Premier: Hibs 46; Luxol 44; Balzan 43; Pembroke, Żabbar 30; San Ġwann 27; Ħamrun Spartans 24; Qormi 22; Birżebbuġa 19; Melita 17; Vittoriosa, Żurrieq, Mosta 13; Luqa 10; Swieqi 7.

First: Qrendi 41; Żebbuġ; Gżira, Valletta 40; Naxxar 34; Fgura 32; Marsaskala 28; Kalkara, Msida 25; Sirens 22; Siġġiewi 16; Mqabba 14; Sta Luċija 8.