Għajnsielem obtained a close 2-1 win over SK Victoria Wanderers in their first match of the third round to retain a comfortable six-point lead over Xewkija Tigers.
At the Sannat Ground, Għajnsielem opened a two-goal lead following a tap-in by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza on 17 minutes and a penalty converted by Joseph Vella after a foul by Chris Sciortino on the former Valletta striker.
Just before half-time, the Blacks had a Mifsud Triganza ‘goal’ disallowed for offside.
The Wanderers looked more motivated after the break and re-opened the issue with a Sam Harland goal on 63 minutes. Harland almost levelled matters a few minutes later but his header hit the post.
Kerċem Ajax consolidated third place with a 1-0 win over Oratory Youths. Andrew Mizzi scored Kerċem’s winner on 52 minutes after an attempt by Claudio Antunes came off the upright.
In another match, Victoria Hotspurs recovered from their 7-0 upset to Xewkija with a 4-1 win over bottom-placed St Lawrence Spurs.
The Citizens opened the scoring on 26 minutes with a low shot from Michael Camilleri. Kevin Farrugia made it 2-0 from a penalty soon after the break.
Camilleri increased Victoria’s lead with a fine header but on 75 minutes, St Lawrence reduced the deficit. They were awarded a penalty after James Tabone handled the ball in the box.
Darko Stojanovic made no mistake from the spot.
However, Camilleri marked his fine performance with a third goal two minutes later to seal the Hotspurs’ win.
Division Two
Xagħra United maintained their march at the top of Division Two after a 7-1 rout of Qala Saints.
Xagħra scored two early goals, through Marlon Mamo and Aleandro Bezzina, and never looked back as Qala were reduced to 10 players on 11 minutes when Dylan Bellotti was sent off for dissent.
The Blues held command of play and scored five more goals thanks to Bezzina (43, 72), Daniel Bartolo (51) and Mamo (56, 68).
Qala scored their only goal just before half-time through Luke Portelli but ended the match with nine players after Carlton Mifsud was sent off on the stroke of time.
Sannat Lions had to sweat to see off Munxar Falcons 2-1.
After Aaron Touarha put them ahead on 11 minutes, the Lions went 2-0 up with a late Antoine Camilleri goal. Munxar substitute Kersten Grima pulled one back late on but the Lions held on for the win.
Nadur cruised to a 7-0 win over Żebbuġ Rovers.
Brandon Said (21, 45, 49), Shaun Muscat (59), Saviour Attard (61), Samuel Muscat (72) and substitute Elijah Xuereb (81) were the scorers for Nadur.