San Ġwann 2
Melita 3
Melita came from behind to topple San Ġwann in a pulsating match between two sides that are expected to be involved in the fight against relegation.
The Amateurs scored three goals in the last half-hour but their win, the first of the season, was deserved as they dominated for long stretches.
The match started with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield. But, San Ġwann forged ahead after 14 minutes when Sergio Hili hit home from an acute angle following a good cross from Chris Cuschieri.
Melita made an instant reaction to gain control of the proceedings with Luke Micallef proving a handful for San Ġwann on the right flank. On 24 minutes, Micallef fed Ives Bilocca but the latter's drive came off the side-netting.
The Reds continued to dictate matters but San Ġwann's defence, well marshalled by the experienced Mario Caruana, held firm.
At the start of the second half, Micallef fired a strong drive that was saved by Jean Mathias Vella, the San Ġwann goalkeeper.
In an isolated raid on the Melita defence, San Ġwann were awarded a penalty on 53 minutes after the ball struck Luke Fenech's hand in a goalmouth melee. Referee Saviour Tanti pointed to the spot and Lee Cumbo converted the penalty to put the Saints 2-0 up.
Melita got themselves back into contention when, on 62 minutes, Nicolo Baldacchino latched on to a Julian Galea free-kick and scored with an excellent half-volley.
Now, Melita were showing more urgency in their play and four minutes past the hour, a George Gribbon header finished over the crossbar.
It was no surprise when Melita made it 2-2 midway through the second half, Galea beating Vella with a gem of a shot from the edge of the area.
With 10 minutes to go, the highly promising Galea saw his first-time effort finish just wide of the post.
Four minutes from time, Baldacchino showed good skill as he powered his way into the Saints area but his run was stopped by Steve Pisani who bundled the former Floriana midfielder to the ground.
Assistant referee Konrad Borg waved his flag to signal the infringement and a penalty was given to Melita. From the 11-metre spot, defender Gribbon sent his shot past Vella to hand Melita their first victory this season.
San Ġwann: Vella, C. Giordemaina, M. Caruana, Q. Bregman, L. Cumbo, A. Borg, C. Cuschieri, S. Pisani, S. Hili (C. Gatt), R. Sell, L. Bonett.
Melita: Zahra, S. Bonnici (T. Terpougoff), N. Zammit, G. Gribbon, D. Gravino, M. Martin, N. Baldacchino (J. Mifsud), J. Galea, L. Fenech, L. Micallef, I. Bilocca (L. Sammut).
Referee: Saviour Tanti.
Man of the match: Julian Galea (Melita).