Valletta’s Javier Montes Burgos (left) drives forward during his side’s 7-6 victory over Swieqi United. Photo: Joe BorgValletta’s Javier Montes Burgos (left) drives forward during his side’s 7-6 victory over Swieqi United. Photo: Joe Borg

The Gatorade Premier League resumed after the Easter break with another round of matches that saw Balzan maintain their challenge after seeing off Ħamrun Spartans 5-3.

It was not an easy stroll for the champions as the Spartans showed great resilience and tried to produce a late rally.

However, it was not enough for the Reds to avoid defeat as a Mark Zammit double and goals from Frane Despotovic, Marco Conti and Glenn Bonello saw Balzan through.

Raphinha proved to be the Spartans’ inspirational player after hitting the target three times.

In another match, Valletta inched closer to a play-off berth with a 7-6 win over direct rivals Swieqi.

The match was a nailbiting affair with Valletta seemingly on their way to victory after surging into a three-goal lead only for Swieqi to stage a bold fightback, scoring three goals in the second half.

However, Swieqi’s desperate efforts to save the match were warded off by Valletta for whom Javier Montes Burgos and Dennis di Maio both scored a brace.

Shawn Vella, Melvin Borg and Xavier Saliba were the other scorers for the Citizens.

Meanwhile, Qormi trounced Żebbuġ Rangers 11-5 with Albanian international Endrit Kaca scoring six goals while Mosta beat Gżira United 3-2 in a basement clash.

Standings

Gatorade Futsal Premier League: Luxol 41; Ħamrun 37; Balzan 36; Valletta 24; Qormi 21; Swieqi 20; Mosta 12; Gżira 5; Żebbuġ 2.

Top clash

Rivals Balzan and Luxol, both flying high in the table, are widely tipped to produce a fitting finale to the last phase of the 2014-15 top-flight campaign.

With the beginning of the play-off finals on the doorstep, these two juggernauts share a resolve to emerge winners from their direct encounter tonight (kick-off 21.45) and bolster their morale for the battles ahead.

Balzan are justified in thinking that the difficult times are behind them after five victories on the trot propelled them into the upper reaches of the table.

For their part, Luxol are having a great campaign, having won 13 out of 15 matches . They are still undefeated and have the best attacking record in the top division.

Luxol can rely on the flair of duo William Barbosa and Celino Alves who have scored vital goals for their side.

On the other hand, champions Balzan hope that their key players Boicho Marev, Despotovic and Slobodan Janjic will extend their positive patch of late.

The two teams have met twice this season. In the first encounter, Balzan won the first honour of the campaign, the Super Cup, after seeing off Luxol 3-1.

Luxol gained revenge for the Super Cup upset as they defeated Balzan 11-5 in the first-round encounter.

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