Gudja United 3
Żebbuġ Rangers 0

Żebbuġ failed to join Pietà at the top of the standings and pull clear of third-placed Lija after they went down to mid-table side Gudja.

This was an abrasive match that saw three players, all of Żebbuġ, sent off. In fact, it was more of a cup tie than a championship match.

The first real threat at goal came on 15 minutes as Gudja took the lead. Ratko Mandic pushed Ryan Dalli in the Rangers box and a penalty was given. Mauro Brincat did not miss from the spot.

Rangers were reduced to 10 men on 23 minutes when playmaker Alan Tabone was dismissed for a second yellow card, possibly for showing dissent towards the match official.

Two minutes later the Żebbuġ rearguard were caught napping and Matthew Groves hit a scorcher to make it 2-0.

Żebbuġ tried to fight back and Anderson Mendes Ribeiro just missed the target when he fired a powerful shot from just outside the Gudja penalty area.

But this was not Żebbuġ’s day as, three minutes before the break, Ranier Buhagiar was also sent off for a second booking.

The match was all over on 60 minutes as Gudja made it 3-0. Dalli was served in the box by Anthony Ewurum and he kept his cool to place the ball into the net.

There were more woes in store for Żebbuġ as John Nwoba was dismissed 20 minutes from time.

Gudja: M. Xerxen, C. Portelli, R. Buhagiar, A. Scozzese, C. Fenech, M. Brincat, G. Chircop, M. Groves (E. Bugeja), R. Dalli, P.P. Sammut (J. Zahra), A. Ewurum (K. Azzo-pardi).

Żebbuġ: J. Farrugia, M. Farrugia, M. Gauci, C. Gauci, Y. Camilleri, R. Mandic, L. Galea, J. Nwoba, M. Rodriguez Britto (B. Chetcuti), A. Tabone, A. Mendes Ribeiro.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Man of the match: Mauro Brincat (Gudja United).