Denis Di Maio. Photo: Joe Borg

Valletta striker Denis di Maio stole the show at the Corradino Pavilion as he netted six goals in a 13-2 win over Gżira United for the Citizens to register their first success of the season following two consecutive defeats in the Premier Division.

Valletta were superior to their opponents, scoring three goals in the first half before completing the rout after the break to secure the three points and a morale-booster ahead of their next matches.

Gżira did produce a reaction, pulling two goals before the break, but in the second half Valletta were in a class of their own to seal the win.

The other Valletta goals came from Xavier Saliba (2), Brian Deguara, Dexter O’Brien, Cedric Sciberras, Daniel Mifsud and an own goal.

Surprise package Swieqi United made it two wins in a row as they defeated Qormi 6-4.

Serbian striker Zvezdan Vukovic continued to score vital goals for his team, this time notching a hat-trick.

Andrew Zammit Alessi, Fredrick Johnson and Paul Hyzler completed the mission for their side.

Juan Carlos Veira Peixoto and Blendi Gockaj were among the scorers for Qormi.

In the First Division, Mellieħa continued with their march at the top with a 6-2 win over Naxxar.

The northerners opened a four-goal advantage before half-time as Naxxar Lions opted for the flying keeper in the second half to try and save the match. However, Mellieħa kept their grip on the proceedings to preserve their lead.

Nikolay Filipov hit a hat-trick while Radoslav Kovachev, Robert Magro and Craig Pickard added more goals for Mellieħa.

Attard had to sweat to beat Mdina Knights 2-1 with Matthew Buttigieg scoring a dramatic late winner after Dalziel Bugeja had evened the scores for the Knights.

In other matches, Luqa chalked up their fourth consecutive win after trouncing Qrendi 5-0 and Sirens returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Birżebbuġa.

In a keenly contested match, Mqabba beat Siġġiewi 8-5.

Karl Carabott marked his debut for Mqabba with a goal. Even keeper Vittorio Ciantar was on the mark for the winners as Andrea Ciancio, Justin Psaila, Owen Fiteni, Etienne Rodo and Wayne Mizzi were the other goal-getters.

Standings

Premier Division: Luxol, Balzan 9; Ħamrun, Swieqi 6; Valletta, Żebbuġ 3; Mosta, Qormi, Gżira 0.

First Division: Mellieħa 15; Lija, Luqa 12; Naxxar 10; Attard 8; Mqabba, Sirens 7; Qrendi 4; Msida, Siġġiewi 3; Mdina, Birżebbuġa 1.