Marsa 0
Naxxar Lions 1
An early second-half penalty goal handed Naxxar Lions their second win of the season as Marsa conceded their third defeat on the trot.
Ivan Casha’s side are not only pointless but are still searching for their first goal.
This was a balanced match where, perhaps, a draw would have been a more just result. Marsa started the better side, full of running and spraying the ball around efficiently but the Lions improved and also had their moments.
After five minutes, Marsa captain Gilbert Martin found space inside the Naxxar box after running down the right wing but his shot flew inches wide.
Naxxar suffered a setback two minutes later when Lee James Agius fell awkwardly.
Agius was unable to continue and required hospital treatment. However, an ambulance only reached the Ħamrun ground over 20 minutes later.
Marsa started to dictate matters and on 24 minutes Luke Scorfna beat two defenders inside the opponent’s half but his inviting cross, deep inside the penalty area, found no takers.
At the other end, Joel Ellul released Guevara Munoz but keeper Leighton Mifsud reacted quickly to avert danger.
The second half started with a De Melo header that was stopped in style by Naxxar keeper Omar Borg.
Then, on 54 minutes, the referee ordered a penalty for the Lions when Yessous Camilleri floored Yuri Messias inside the Marsa box.
Messias picked himself up to beat Mifsud from the spot.
Marsa almost drew level on the hour when Martin’s scorcher was again stopped by the alert Borg.
In stoppage time, Messias could have scored again for the Lions, following a quick counter break.
However, he shot weakly with only Mifsud to beat.
Marsa: L. Mifsud, L. Scorfna, Y. Camilleri, R. Mifsud, A. Sicali, L. Omerou, J. Farrugia, B. Essiel, S. Meilak (C. Cutajar), G. Martin, L. De Melo.
Naxxar: O. Borg, A. Buhagiar, N. Spiteri, S. Guevra Munoz (A. Darbo, R. Mercieca), R. Cassar, L. Agius (M. Fenech), R. Grech, J. Ellul, J. Debono, A. Lubos, Y. Messias.
Referee: Mario Apap.
Best player: Gilbert Martin (Marsa).
Summary
Lija Athletic 2
Qormi 0
Lija Athletic: L. Bonnici, C. Cassar, M. Clinch, A. Galea, P. Borg, D. Scerri, E. Beu (P. Dandolo), P. Babic, J. Garcia Vidal (B. Antignolo), A. Ige, L.J. Schembri (A. Sammut).
Qormi: D. Balzan, C. Farrugia (Y. Yankam), O. Sidibe, D. Vukovic, M. Camilleri, B. Grech, A. Abela, L. Chiedozie (D. Medic), D. Micallef, T. Guzman, N. Ojuola.
Referee: Matthew De Gabriele.
Scorers: Beu 62 pen; Ige 88.
Best player: Erjon Beu (Lija Athletic).