Boycho Marev scored twice as Balzan beat Valletta 6-3 to return to winning ways after two defeats in the Premier Division.

Valletta tried hard to stay in the match but on the day champions Balzan proved stronger.

After opening the scoring through Carl Azzopardi, Valletta reacted swiftly and levelled matters with a Denis di Maio goal.

The Citizens then nosed in front with a goal from their captain Xavier Saliba but Marev scored a quickfire goal to restore parity.

Balzan took command as the second half got underway with Marev and Glenn Bonello extending their team’s advantage.

Alan Borg put the Citizens back into the match but Frane Despotovic and Marco Conti had their final say as they sealed Balzan’s sixth victory of the season.

Meanwhile, leaders Luxol maintained their winning trend and are still unbeaten in the league after an 11-2 win over struggling Mosta.

Florin Anton and Dale Camilleri each scored a hat-trick for the winners.

In the First Division, co-leaders Mellieħa and Lija Athletic continued with their march at the top of the table after wins over Msida St Joseph and Luqa respectively.

It wasn’t an easy stroll for Mellieħa though after seeing off Msida 8-5. In fact, the northerners had to turn the tables late on after falling 3-2 behind before the break and trailing 5-3 with only four minutes left to play.

Daniel Saliba inspired Mellieħa by hitting the target three times. Other goals came from a brace by Nikolay Filipov, Darren Aitchinson, Nathaniel Borg and an own goal.

Msida’s goals came from Herbert Spiteri, Marian Gologan, Noel Portelli and two own goals.

Lija beat Luqa St Andrews 6-2 and Naxxar Lions moved third in the table after two convincing victories over Luqa St Andrews (4-1) and Siġġiewi (6-2).

Standings
Premier Division: Luxol 22; Ħamrun 21; Balzan 18; Qormi 13; Valletta, Swieqi 12; Mosta 6; Gżira 3; Żebbuġ Rangers 0.
First Division: Lija Athletic, Mellieħa 33; Naxxar 28; Attard, Luqa 18; Msida 15; Sirens 14; Siġġiewi 12; Mdina, Qrendi 10; Mqabba 9; Birżebbuġa 1.