Għajnsielem restored their four-point lead over nearest rivals Xewkija Tigers in the league standings after a 3-1 win over relegation strugglers SK Victoria Wanderers last weekend.

Everyone expected the Blacks to cruise past the Wanderers but the underdogs profited from the strong wind in their favour during the first half to hold territorial edge and keep their opponents at bay.

Għajnsielem were unable to click into gear and the Wanderers adapted better to the conditions, going in for the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to Predrag Djordevic’s fine goal five minutes from half-time.

The Blacks showed their true prowess after the interval. Led by player-coach Shaun Bajada, they applied constant pressure on the Wanderers goal.

On 55 minutes, Bajada had a shot crashing against the crossbar and from the rebound, Milos Stojanovic fired home to level the score.

Għajnsielem kept pushing forward to turn the result in their favour with two Bajada goals.

On 68 minutes, the former Birkirkara and Valletta midfielder found the net from an angle following a fine solo move and six minutes from time, he curled his corner past the keeper and into the net.

In the other match from the top flight, Victoria Hotspurs dropped two precious points after being held to a 2-2 draw by bottom-placed St Lawrence Spurs.

The Hotspurs, who had Joseph Okonkwo in the starting line-up for the first time, seemed headed for an easy win after opening a 2-0 lead at half-time following goals by James Tabone (3) and Jonathan Bajada (33).

However, on 64 minutes the Hotspurs keeper failed to boot the ball upfield and Jason Theuma was on the right spot to place easily inside an open goal.

The Saints grew in confidence and clinched the equaliser on 85 minutes from a penalty, awarded for a foul by James Tabone on Dennis Di Maio, and converted by substitute Louis Buttigieg.

Division Two

Għarb Rangers extended their positive run with a close 1-0 win over Munxar Falcons to leapfrog their opponents into the fourth place.

Għarb had a penalty on 15 minutes but Justin Azzopardi saw his spot-kick stopped by keeper Lorjean Xuereb.

Rangers, however, were not demoralised and produced the better play for the entire match.

Their efforts were rewarded on 78 minutes when Paul Anthony Attard hit the winner.

Qala Saints made it a double over Żebbuġ Rovers with a 2-1 victory that left the latter still without a point this season. Qala established a two-goal lead, through Luke Portelli (15) and Oleg Pogukay (51).

The Rovers tried hard to avoid their ninth consecutive defeat but only managed to halve the score after a Matthion Formosa goal 10 minutes from time.