Leaders Għajnsielem recorded their seventh win in the championship after edging Victoria Hotspurs 1-0.
The Hotspurs had several new signings in their starting line-up, including strikers Michael Camilleri, formerly of Vittoriosa Stars, and Sunday Baala, who was with St Lawrence Spurs. They could have opened the scoring in the first minute but Michael Bezzina’s effort came off the post.
Għajnsielem, who gave a debut to striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, signed from Valletta during the January transfer window, dictated matters for most of the match. They created good scoring opportunities through Joseph Vella, Milos Stojanovic and Dhonatan Santos Da Hora.
The Blacks scored the goal that mattered 15 minutes from time.
They were awarded a penalty after Frankie Camilleri fouled Mifsud Triganza in the box and Joseph Vella converted from the spot.
Title hopefuls Xewkija Tigers and Kerċem Ajax both needed the points from their direct clash to keep Għajnsielem in sight.
The sizeable crowd at the Gozo Stadium witnessed a thrilling encounter as the game turned into a typical cup tie which ended in a 3-3 draw, a result that favoured the Blacks.
Kerċem looked to be heading to a convincing win as they were the better side during the first hour.
They took a deserved three-goal lead through a penalty converted by Claudio Antunes (11) and goals from Elton Vella (45) and Shaun Attard (54).
However, Xewkija, aided by three substitutions, produced an impressive reaction to cancel out the three-goal deficit in the space of 15 minutes through Dene Shields (61), substitute John Camilleri (63) and Josmar Vella (76).
The game became more exciting in the final stages as both teams went all out in search of a winner.
Kerċem had the best opportunity six minutes from time when they won a penalty after defen-der Peter Buttigieg handled the ball on the line to stop a close-range shot by substitute Andrew Mizzi.
Buttigieg was sent off but Antunes’s spot-kick was wide.
Tigers reach KO final
In midweek, Xewkija Tigers booked their place in the final of the GFA KO after a 2-1 victory over SK Victoria Wanderers.
The semi-final had to be replayed after the match was abandoned in December due to heavy rain.
Xewkija secured the win with two goals in the opening stages of the second half through Camilleri (51) and Shields (54).
The Wanderers pulled one back in the first minute of stoppage time.
David Udo Monday scored from the rebound after his penalty kick had been partially saved by Xewkija goalkeeper Steve Sultana.
Nadur join Xagħra at the top
The title issue in the lower category is wide open after Xagħra United were held to their third consecutive draw while Nadur Youngsters gained maximum points to join the erstwhile leaders at the top of the Division Two table.
Nadur needed a late goal from Christian Debono to beat Għarb Rangers who had Josef Camenzuli sent off on 78 minutes for a second bookable offence.
Xagħra United could not go beyond a 1-1 draw against Munxar Falcons.
Oliver Farrugia put Xagħra ahead after 27 minutes but Munxar grabbed a deserved equaliser through Josef Debrincat 10 minutes from time.