Ghajnsielem 1
Nadur Youngsters 1

These two teams had their best moments during the first period. Nadur showed great improvement from their Independence Cup outings while Ghajnsielem confirmed, yet again, that they have a strong side to challenge for the honours.

Nadur enjoyed most of the possession in the opening stages and took a deserved lead in the 15th minute courtesy of Maczerob Okoro, the former Valletta striker who signed for the Gozitan champions only a few days before their league opener.

Ghajnsielem took a few minutes to recover and could have levelled the score soon after but Frank Buttigieg headed wide from an ideal position.

The Blacks did score an equaliser in the 38th minute. Aloysius Ihbeulu combined well with Buttigieg before ramming home to make it 1-1.

The match lost much of its rhythm after the break and as a result, goalmouth action was hard to come by. In the 70th minute, Ihbeulu shot weakly in front of goal and then a Loretu Scicluna drive from the distance almost surprised the Nadur 'keeper who recovered his balance in time to save the shot.

Referee: George Portelli.

Xaghra United 1
Qala St Joseph 0

This was a clash between the two promoted teams whose main aim is to keep their place in the top flight.

During the first period the two goalkeepers stole the show. Xaghra's Gauci effected fine saves to deny Charlie Attard and Julius Ngangue while Mercieca, in the Qala goal, distinguished himself with a spectacular save on a Joseph Sultana shot.

Xaghra hit the winner in a swift counter-break in the 67th minute through Bulgarian Krasen Krastev.

Referee: George Portelli.

Zebbug Rovers 1
Victoria Hotspurs 0

Zebbug had to sweat for the three points in a fiery encounter which produced three red cards. The Rovers saw more of the ball throughout the match although Victoria had the first scoring opportunity through Reuben Mercieca after only three minutes.

In the 67th minute Mercieca was dismissed for a second yellow card. Zebbug took immediate advantage and three minutes later they scored the only goal of the match... Silvan Galea shooting home from an angle past surprised goalie Portelli.

Victoria went all out in search of an equaliser. An overhead kick by Nkwocha ended just wide and a Chris Debrincat header hit the post.

The Hotspurs then claimed a penalty but the referee deemed otherwise. Victoria's Noel Borg and Touli Mahjoub of Zebbug were both red-carded for dissent.

Referee: Joseph Camilleri.

Sprite Division II

The first day of this championship confirmed early predictions that most of the teams in this category are more or less of the same level. Sannat and Oratory impressed most, scoring good victories over SK Victoria W. and St Lawrence Spurs respectively.

Sannat won 4-0 with goals coming from Mark Muscat (2), Sandro Brazilino and Shaun Attard. Oratory scored one goal in each half, through Christian Micallef and Mario Farrugia, to win the three points. Oratory goalkeeper Elliot Fenech saved a penalty in the first half.

The match between Gharb and Kercem was the most exciting of the lot. Gharb took a two-goal lead through John Cassar (52nd) and a Victor Caruana penalty (54th). Kercem hit back with goals from Mario Apap (72nd penalty) and Josmar Grech (84th).