Pembroke joined Valletta at the top of the Premier League standings when they edged St Andrew’s 4-3 at the Tedesco Stadium.

Pembroke were off to a flying start and inside the opening two minutes they were already ahead.

Gibson Bardsley controlled the ball inside the area and quickly released Austin Maltz who hit a rasping drive that gave no chance to St Andrew’s goalkeeper Diego Rossetto.

Pembroke continued to create chances and on 14 minutes Laudisi stormed into the area but his shot flew over.

A second goal for Pembroke looked inevitable and it duly arrived on 19 minutes when Maltz profited from an indecision by Jordan Williams to hammer the ball past a stranded Rossetto.

St Andrew’s were handed a lifeline on the half hour when from a corner action Pembroke goalkeeper Mario Muscat misjudged Williams’s delivery and in came Mariglen Sehitaj who headed the ball over the goalline despite Zoran Levnaic’s attempt to clear.

Pembroke quickly regained the initiative and six minutes from the break they restored their two goal lead. Bardsley showed great footwork to turn past Andreis and plant the ball into the net.

St Andrew’s punished more hesitant Pembroke defending on 68 minutes Matthew Guillaumier took a quick free-kick towards Chris De Nguidjol and the towering striker hit a low shot past Muscat.

From the kick-off Pembroke almost made it 4-2 but O’Brien’s thumping drive hit the upright.

But the American midfielder was not to be denied as 14 minutes from time O’Brien picked a short clearance and hit a spectacular half volley that flew into the top corner of the net.

St Andrew’s set a nervous finale when substitute Matteo Desira Buttigieg was left unmarked to head past Mario Muscat. But that was too little too late as Pembroke held on for the win.

Pembroke striker Austin Maltz was voted as the BOV Player of the match.