Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans stayed in touch with leaders Luxol after staving off the challenge of Sliema Wanderers and Sirens respectively to consolidate their joint second placing in the Gatorade League.

Valletta trounced the Wanderers 8-0. The Sliema players tried hard to stay in the match but on the day the Citizens were stronger.

Melvin Borg (2), Jovica Milijic, Xavier Saliba, Cristian Cuadros Silva, Liam Cachia, Juergen Pace and Denis di Maio were the scorers for Valletta.

The Spartans, meanwhile, extended their winning streak after hammering Sirens 13-4.

Attacking duo George Frendo and Raphinha struck five goals each, Michel Melo Jose netted a brace and the other goal for Ħamrun was an own goal.

Ryan Cassar hit a double for the St Paul’s Bay team with the other scorers for them being Antoine Galea and Patrick Barbara.

In another match, played later in the week, Sirens made up for their upset to Ħamrun by beating the Wanderers 2-1 to leapfrog them in the table.

Aleksandar Ribic put Sliema in front but Antoine Galea levelled matters for Sirens before George Chircop snatched the winner for the northerners who are now on the 10-point mark.

Żebbuġ Rangers registered their third win this season after seeing off Gozo FC 5-2 while Qrendi chalked up their first three-pointer after a comfortable 12-3 victory over Marsaskala.

Antonello Brincat scored five and Craig Pickard four for Qrendi for whom Alan Spiteri (2) and Morad El-Torshi were also on the mark.

Standings
Luxol St Andrew’s 21; Ħamrun Spartans, Valletta 19; Msida 16; Lija, Swieqi 15; Sirens 10; Sliema Wanderers, Żebbuġ 9; Mdina Knights, Mqabba, Marsaskala 6; Qrendi 3; Gozo 0.