In the only match from the first division last weekend, Xewkija Tigers extended their lead at the top of the standings to four points after a hard-earned win over mid-table Kercem Ajax, thanks to two penalties converted by Thierry Tazemeta.
Tazemeta is the championship's leading scorer with 14 goals from eight matches.
Xewkija Tigers 2
Kercem Ajax 1
Xewkija Tigers made it a double over Kercem Ajax and repeated the same score of the first-round match. Xewkija look to be the team to beat on the sister island at the moment but to win this match they had to rely on all their experience as Kercem proved to be worthy opponents.
The Tigers went on the offensive from the early stages and Kercem keeper Aktpan was kept busy for most of the time. On one occasion he was lucky when a Tazemeta shot beat him but the ball hit the bar.
Efforts from Elton Vella and Mark Marlow sounded Kercem's revival and right on the half-hour mark they opened the score from an excellent free-kick by Marlow that was out of Xuereb's reach.
Xewkija had a good reaction and two minutes later Aktpan did well to hold out a Martin Cremona free-kick. But Xewkija's task became more complicated nine minutes from the break when they had Mark Camilleri sent off for a foul on Frankie Camilleri.
Although with a player less, the Tigers never gave up and managed to level the score in the 44th minute from a penalty after Tazemeta was tripped in the box. The Cameroonian converted from the spot to make it 1-1.
Despite their numerical handicap, Xewkija continued to see more of the ball after the break. Kercem captain Camilleri cleared a Rais header from over the line.
Kercem almost took the lead soon after but another Marlow free-kick was stopped by the Tigers' woodwork.
Xewkija scored the decisive goal 17 minutes from time. Tazemeta was again sent crashing in the opponents' box and the penalty was given. The Cameroon striker stood up and took the kick himself to put his team ahead.
Kercem had penalty claims turned down late in the match as Marlow again tried his luck from a dead-ball situation only for his luck to desert him when most needed.
Referee: George Bitri.
Sprite Division Two
Sannat Lions 1
Oratory Youths 0
Sannat Lions completed their first round fixtures with another positive display which helped them stay unbeaten at the top of the standings.
However, in Oratory Youths, the Lions found a difficult opposition. Both teams had good scoring opportunities but Sannat netted the goal that mattered seven minutes from time following a Marvin Zammit first-time effort from a Mark Formosa cross.
Referee: Mario Apap.
SK Victoria W. 2
St Lawrence Spurs 0
SK Victoria Wanderers also ended the first round on a positive note after beating St Lawrence Spurs to occupy the runners-up spot all on their own.
It was a deserved victory for the Wanderers who opened the score in the 26th minute through Charles Spiteri. Joseph Refalo made sure of the points with a second goal 10 minutes from time.
Referee: George Portelli.