Żebbuġ Rangers 1
Gżira United 0
Żebbuġ Rangers were back on the promotion track yesterday after having been surprised by Gudja in their previous match.
Rangers are now six points ahead of third-placed Lija Athletic in the standings and three behind leaders Pieta Hotspurs.
The match was followed by a sizeable crowd at the Centenary Stadium but play was dull with both sides not really performing to the best of their abilities.
Rangers started as the more determined and aggressive side on the pitch but the Maroons improved as the minutes ticked by even though play was restricted to the midfield sector only.
Gżira, in fact, produced their first real threat of the game on 21 minutes when from a quick counter break, Martin Kotyza beat the offside trap but took a second too long to conclude and keeper Farrugia averted danger.
Gżira seized the upperhand near the latter stages of the first half.
On 36 minutes, a Jamie Pace header from a Renie Forace free-kick finished just over and in time added on the Żebbuġ keeper was on the right spot to keep out Pace’s effort from close in.
There was a slight improvement in both sides’ play as the second half got underway.
Kyle Gerada produced a fine save to stop a Matthew Gauci strike and from the corner, Gauci was again foiled by the keeper.
Żebbuġ were the side showing the better qualities.
Mauricio Britto failed to make contact in front of goal but he made amends on 63 minutes when from a Gauci delivery, the striker hit home what proved to be the winning goal.
Gżira hit back strongly and went close to equalising. From a corner, Yanis Tonna just missed the target from close range.
The Maroons were now in control but despite seeing more of the ball, they never troubled the opponents’ keeper.
Rangers could have doubled their lead though.
Substitute Douglas Da Silva Silveira, who had replaced Britto, fired a free-kick just over the crossbar and two minutes from time Anderson Mendes Ribeiro dribbled past a defender but his shot was stopped by Gerada.
Żebbuġ: J. Farrugia, Y. Camilleri, K. Scicluna, L. Galea, R. Mandic, M. Farrugia, C. Gauci, B. Chetcuti (O. Rababah), M. Rodrigues Britto (D. Da Silva Silveira), M. Gauci (M. Francica), A.M. Ribeiro.
Gżira: K. Gerada, A. White, R. Forace (S. Bonello), J. Camilleri, J. Pace, B. Bondin, Y. Tonna (J. Chetcuti), C. Cassar, M. Avila Perez, M. Kotyza, S. Vella (R. Deguara).
Referee: Malcolm Spiteri.
Man of the match: Mauricio Britto (Żebbuġ Rangers).