ST ANDREW'S-1, NAXXAR LIONS-2

The clash between the two bottom teams in the Premier League went Naxxar Lions' way as they edged St Andrew's 2-1.

The Saints' hopes of gaining their first points after nine consecutive defeats increased when they took the lead inside the opening two minutes but Naxxar fought back to overturn the deficit and claim their second win that lifts them above Qormi in the table.

The game had been in danger of being called off as the heavy rain showers had flooded parts of the pitch which was eventually passed fit to host the match.

When the action got underway, 15 minutes late, the two teams pressed forward in search of a goal.

St Andrew's needed only two minutes to take the lead thanks to Matteo Desira Buttigieg who drove home from inside the box after Matthew Guillaumier's cross from the right found the Naxxar defence in a state of confusion.

After Julian Azzopardi, the Naxxar goalkeeper, denied Desira Buttigieg a second goal, the Lions equalised on 20 minutes. Young winger Jurgen Debono produced a curling cross-shot from a free-kick that soared past a host of players, including the wrong-footed Calleja, as the ball sailed into the far corner.

The first half ended 1-1 but 11 minutes after the restart, Naxxar forged ahead. Defender Blazo Rajovic scored with an angled header after meeting Debono's cross from a right-wing corner.

Buoyed by Rajovic's goal, Naxxar stayed on top but they missed a great chance to wrap up the issue when Emiliano Lattes's close-range shot was saved by Calleja.
St Andrew's lacked flair in attack but they had a good chance to equalise when Guillaumier collected a clearance but his shot was deflected away for a corner.

Debono, the Naxxar Lions midfielder, was named BOV player of the match.