In the opening match from the Championship Pool, favourites Xewkija Tigers inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Victoria Hotspurs at the Gozo Stadium.
The Tigers are five points clear of second-placed SK Victoria Wanderers and seven ahead of champions Nadur Youngsters.
The Hotspurs are practically out of contention for the title as they’ve slipped 10 points behind the leaders with five matches remaining.
The Hotspurs shared play with their more-quoted opponents in the early stages but Xewkija opened the scoring on 21 minutes through a fine strike by veteran Gilbert Agius who had the better of keeper Courtney Mercieca.
John Camilleri’s header from a good position ended just wide. The Hotspurs replied with a Saturday Nanapere run into the opponents’ half but the striker was floored just outside the area by Josmar Vella who escaped with a caution.
As the minutes ticked away, Xewkija grew in stature.
Mercieca was called to make a couple of fine saves to keep out efforts from Camilleri and Agius.
Xewkija doubled their lead on 58 minutes when Jason Portelli received from Dene Shields before hitting home.
Xewkija persisted with their attacking approach and Camilleri was unlucky to see his effort crash against the bar. From the rebound, Shields’s attempt was deflected away for a corner.
At the other end, Nanapere’s strike also came off the woodwork.
Camilleri was again unlucky to be denied by the crossbar and the same fate fell on Victoria’s Glenn Bonello following a headed attempt ten minutes from time.
Xewkija sealed victory with a third goal two minutes from the end after Camilleri hit home from an Agius cross from the right.
In the first match from the Relegation Pool, Xagħra United and Oratory Youths figured in a goalless draw.
Xagħra moved off the bottom, one point ahead of Munxar who have a game in hand.
Oratory could have scored a late winner but Gianluca Vella’s free-kick was stopped by keeper Victor Agius with the aid of the crossbar.
Division Two
Leaders St Lawrence Spurs produced an impressive recovery during the final stages of their match against second-placed Għajnsielem to draw 2-2.
The Blacks opened a two-goal lead in the first half with goals by Damien Hili (11) and Charlon Tabone (25).
Għajnsielem were in control for most of the match as the Spurs suffered a setback on 58 minutes when they ended up with 10 players after Louis Buttigieg received a second booking.
Għajnsielem missed a couple of sitters and eventually got punished for their failure to score a third goal as the Spurs drew level with quick goals by Jason Theuma and Mambaye Boye.
In another match, Għarb Rangers beat lowly Qala Saints 1-0.
Rangers scored the goal that decided the issue in first-half stoppage time through Michael Mathias Uzor.