Luxol’s Florin Anton in action against Ħamrun. Photo: Joe Borg

The top teams in the FXDD Premier Division continued to march relentlessly as they maintained their high positions in the standings.

Hibernians, the leaders, obtained a stunning 8-2 win over San Ġwann while second-placed Luxol had the better of Ħamrun Spartans 7-4 to keep the pressure on the Paolites.

Celino Alves and Mark Zammit hit a brace each for Hibs as Kurt Bartolo, Xavier Saliba, David Bobokidhze and an own goal completed the scoring for the winners.

After ending the first half 4-3 up, Luxol exerted more pressure on the Spartans’ rearguard to make their victory more pronounced.

There were doubles for William Barbosa and Ibrahim Tarik and the other goals for Luxol came through George Frendo, Carl Saliba and Florin Anton.

Spain’s Cristian Cuadros Silva, Mohammed Elamari and Christian Cacciatolo were on the mark for Ħamrun.

Balzan, meanwhile, saw off Qormi 6-0 to consolidate third place in the standings, well ahead of Pembroke who were beaten by Żabbar St Patrick 4-3 in their last match.

The goals for Balzan came from Emil Andrei Raducu, Jovica Milijic, Boycho Marev, Gabriel Dobre, Clint Cope and Glenn Bonello.

In the First Division, Valletta shot to the top of the standings with a hard-earned 4-3 win over Kalkara.

This was the Citizens’ 11th straight victory, giving a clear message to the other promotion contenders that they are now the team to beat.

Ilija Milivojsa scored twice against Kalkara with Charlton Scicluna and Renald Formston also on target for Valletta.

Previous leaders Qrendi were shocked by Msida 7-4.

Qrendi seemed heading to a routine victory but a great comeback from Msida saw them turning the result in their favour with Chris Cutajar an inspiration for his team after scoring four goals.

Standings

Premier Division: Hibernians 43; Luxol 41; Balzan 40; Pembroke 30; Żabbar St Patrick, San Ġwann 27; Ħamrun Spartans 24; Qormi 22; Melita 17; Birżebbuġa 16; Vittoriosa, Mosta 13; Żurrieq 10; Luqa, Swieqi 7.

First Division: Valletta 39; Qrendi 38; Żebbuġ, Gżira United 34; Naxxar 31; Marsaskala 28; Fgura 26; Msida 25; Kalkara 22; Sirens 21; Mqabba 11; Siġġiewi 10; Sta Luċija 8.