NAXXAR LIONS-4, SLIEMA WANDERERS-3
Naxxar Lions have all but secured their Premier League status after coming from two goals down to beat Sliema Wanderers 4-3 in an entertaining encounter.
Needing a win to move further clear of the relegation zone, Naxxar looked to be heading for a potentially damaging defeat as Sliema went 3-1 up early in the second half but two goals in two minutes shifted the balance towards the Lions who went on score the winner five minutes from time.
With this win, Naxxar have moved six points clear of second-from-bottom Pietà Hotspurs, and five ahead of Tarxien Rainbows, who play Zebbug Rangers later today, with only one match remaining.
Sliema were first to threaten. Six minutes into the game, Andrea Pisanu's perfect pass dropped to Aidan Friggieri who swept past his marker inside his box only to fire his shot over the bar.
Naxxar had the first scoring chance on 13 minutes. Gilmar's cross, from a left-wing corner, was met by Angus Buhagiar but his header was high.
The Lions were relying on long balls towards their three strikers. They took the lead midway into the first half when Gilmar's corner was partially cleared by Sliema and Andrew Scicluna capitalised to head the ball home.
Lifted by their goal, Naxxar were now playing better. Toure set up Jorge on the half-hour with the Brazilian dashing into the box before hitting a dangerous cross-shot that was cut out by Gatt Baldacchino.
In their next attacking foray, Sliema managed to level matters. They were awarded a penalty after Ryan Gilmour Cassar tripped Friggieri in the box and Pisanu made no mistake from the spot.
Naxxar tried to regain the initiative but they conceded a second goal seven minutes from half-time. A swift counter-attack from Sliema had Marko Potezica pass to Mateus who advanced before setting up Pedrinho. The Brazilian rifled past Julian Azzopardi, the Naxxar goalkeeper.
Early in the second half, Naxxar were again caught out at the back as Friggieri used his pace to get behind the dithering defenders but his shot was pawed away by Azzopardi.
It was not long before Sliema punished their opponents' inertia. Twelve minutes into the second half, Alex Muscat stormed forward on the right before passing to Pedrinho who released Friggieri. The young forward beat Azzopardi with a curling shot.
The Lions looked shocked but they made a reaction.
Ibok Edet's header hit the base of the post from Gilmar's cross but, on the hour, Naxxar secured a boost.
Sliema defender Andrea Scozzese pushed the sprinting Jorge off the ball inside the box and referee Mario Apap pointed to the spot. Toure beat Zammit with a powerful shot.
Two minutes later, Naxxar equalised. Gilmar recovered possession outside the Sliema box before sending a through-pass to Jorge who anticipated Zammit to poke the ball home.
It was all Naxxar now.
Zammit twice denied them Jorge after Sliema had failed to clear substitute Terence Vella's cross.
The Blues did have a chance to regain the lead but Mateus's header, from John Mintoff's cross, was blocked by Azzopardi.
Seven minutes from the end, Naxxar struck. They were awarded a second penalty after Potezica was adjudged to have tripped Vella in the box. Vella picked himself up to power his shot past Azzopardi.
Friggieri, the Sliema forward, was named BOV player of the match.