NAXXAR LIONS-2, MOSTA-1

Naxxar Lions revived their hopes of avoiding relegation after beating rivals Mosta 2-1 in the derby.

The Lions, without a point from their last six games, struggled for most of the first half but they grew in confidence after taking the lead against the run of play just before the break.

Mosta had the better chances in a drab first half but it was Naxxar Lions who took the lead against the run of play five minutes before half-time.

Daren Falzon's corner, from the left, created a goalmouth melee and Edu Vallecillo was on hand to poke the ball home.

Before Vallecillo's opener, Naxxar had created little while Mosta were twice denied by the woodwork.

Godwin Mensha's overhead kick on came off the far post and, late in the half, Kyle Frendo's rising drive rattled the crossbar.

Naxxar created the first chance of the second half when David Fenech swapped passes with Vallecillo before running in to the box but his shot was beaten away by Borg.

The game opened up. Mosta's frustration was evident when Mensha wasted a glorious chance, hitting wide from close range after Brincat had nipped in from the blindside following a fine pass from Farrugia.

The red-shirted players were quick to respond but Falzon's header, from Jose Godar's cross, was tipped away by Borg.

In their next attack, Naxxar doubled their lead thanks to Fenech who was on hand to tap Falzon's cross into the net.

Mosta's efforts to get back into the match were held off by Naxxar but the Blues revived their hopes four minutes from time thanks to substitute Zachary Brincat who beat Gallinetta with as low strike.

Naxxar repelled Mosta's frantic efforts in the dying minutes to secure a vital win that revives their hopes of avoiding the drop.

Fenech, the Naxxar midfielder, was voted BOV player of the match.