Balzan and Luxol warmed up for their top-of-the-table clash next week by easing past their respective opponents to stay in the top positions of the FXDD Premier Division.
Balzan produced a dazzling attacking display, crushing Mosta 14-0 while Luxol continued their positive run of late after seeing off neighbours Melita 9-3.
Gabriel Dobre’s Balzan were in control from the outset and surged ahead after two minutes through striker Glenn Bonello.
Balzan, who had Bulgarian international Boicho Marev (formerly of Hibs) making his debut, held the upperhand and dominated the match with Mosta trying to tame their opponents’ furious attacks.
Marev and Bonello both scored a hat-trick.
Emil Andrei Raducu went one better and got a poker as Nicola Del Re, Carlos Scicluna, Jovica Milijic and Giancarlo Sammut added four other goals for good measure.
Despite the clear result, it wasn’t an easy stroll for Florin Anton’s Luxol with Melita giving their all.
Doubles by Dean Gera, William Barbosa and George Frendo and a goal each for Anton, Eslam Kalifa and Karl Saliba handed Luxol three useful points.
Melita’s goals came from Michael Martin, Jean Debattista and Andre Mifsud.
In another match from the top flight, Żabbar SP clinched their second consecutive victory after defeating Qormi 4-2 to go sixth in the standings.
In the First Division, Qrendi’s perfect record after 13 matches came to an abrupt end as they went down 5-4 to mid-table side Fgura United.
It wasn’t Qrendi’s day as they found themselves behind after five minutes with Fgura producing some good attacking play. Qrendi’s late reaction wasn’t enough to avoid defeat with Fgura rightly satisfied after securing their fifth win of the season.
Elsewhere, Valletta stayed on the winning track after beating Marsascala 8-3.
Dylan Agius was the Citizens’ hero after hitting the target three times. Charlton Sciberras netted a brace while Ilija Milivjosa, Keiston Theuma and Aaron Agius scored a goal each.
Standings
Premier Division: Luxol, Hibs 34; Balzan 33; Pembroke 24; San Ġwann, Żabbar 21; Ħamrun 18; Qormi 16; Melita, Mosta 12; Żurrieq 9; Vittoriosa, Luqa 7; Swieqi 4; Birżebbuġa 1.
First Division: Qrendi 32; Gżira 26; Żebbuġ 25; Kalkara, Naxxar 22; Valletta 21; Fgura 19; Msida, Sirens, Marsascala 16; Mqabba 11; Sta Luċija 8; Siġġiewi 6.