Sliema Wanderers chalked up their second successive league victory when they battled past newly-promoted Zebbug Rangers 1-0 at the Tedesco Stadium.

Zebbug had almost taken a surprise lead on 16 minutes when Mauricio Rodrigues Britto received the ball on the edge of the area and his rising shot hit the bar with Sliema goalkeeper Glenn Zammit beaten.

However, it was the Wanderers who struck on 18 minutes when in a quick raid, Michael Mifsud served Fabio Mangiacasale who quickly transferred the ball towards Mark Scerri who hit a firm low drive that rolled past Zebbug goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia.

Chances remained few and far between with Zebbug’s response coming on 32 minutes when Carlo Monti’s effort from free-kick grazed the upright.

Zebbug improved on the restart and on the hour Zammit was alert to block Muchardi’s swerving shot from a free-kick while four minutes later Britto’s shot was too central to create any danger to the Sliema keeper.

However, Sliema managed to protect their lead till the end to bag three priceless points that somewhat eases the pressure on coach Alfonso Greco.