MIA Division Two

Gzira United 2
Mellieha 1

Veteran Ian Buhagiar was Gzira's hero last weekend. Yet again, he came on as a second-half substitute and scored an all-important goal in his team's top-of-the-table clash against Mellieha, the latter suffering their first upset of the season. Gzira are now five points clear at the top.

Mellieha were the better team during the first period but had to wait until the 39th minute to open the score from a low Keith Spiteri drive.

A minute later the northerners were denied by Bonello off Adrian Galea's header with the Maroons coming back in the 44th minute through Cedric Sciberras' effort which just missed the target.

Gzira improved in the second half and after hitting the crossbar, through a Clyde Pace effort, they drew level in the 52nd minute as Matthew Cocks headed in from an Alex Farrugia free-kick.

Mellieha's reaction produced various dangerous attempts but on 74 minutes it was Gzira who took the lead, Buhagiar hitting home from a Jason Tabone cross. In the 78th minute, Gzira striker Cocks was sent off for a second caution with Mellieha going close in injury time through attempts by Matthew Borg.

Referee: Gejtu Degabriele.

Vittoriosa Stars 0
St George's 0

This Cottonera derby ended in a goalless draw although St George's dictated the run of play for most of the match which ended on a sour note when three players were sent off following an incident involving various players.

St George's started strongly and after just ten minutes Ivan Camilleri wasted a good chance to put them ahead. Lawrence Mizzi twice went close for the Saints and on 23 minutes Mark Vella avoided a certain goal as he blocked Godwin Stivala's point blank shot.

St George's pressed forward with Keith Darmanin hitting just over the bar with a strong volley.

Early on after the interval, the Saints created good chances through Camilleri and Darmanin with Vittoriosa going very close in the 52nd minute as Joe Mizzi's shot was cleared off the line by Degabriele.

In the 83rd minute, Saints' 'keeper Pulis denied Vittoriosa when he saved Mark Ciantar's low drive. In injury time Edgar Degabriele (St George's) and Joe Mizzi and Albert Bonnici (both Vittoriosa) were sent off.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Zejtun Corinthians 1
Zebbug Rangers 2

An injury-time goal gave Zebbug Rangers a hard-earned victory over Zejtun Corinthians who had another good outing and deserved at least a point for their efforts.

In the opening stages, Zebbug twice went close through Stefan Micallef and Malcolm Borg but in the sixth minute the latter broke the deadlock to give his side the lead.

Zejtun hit back strongly with Rangers' 'keeper Pace saving well off a low Norbert Gerada drive. Then, a Duncan free-kick was again neutralised by Pace.

At the other end, Zebbug could have increased their lead as Micallef's header was cleared off the line by Jesmar Abela. But, in the 54th minute Zejtun scored a deserved equaliser when Gerada hit home from a free-kick.

In the 85th minute, Zebbug defender Sean Bezzina was sent off for a second booking but deep into stoppage time the Corinthians hit the winning goal through substitute Glen Vassallo from a corner.

Referee: Esther Farrugia.

Attard 3
Dingli Swallows 2

Attard managed to turn defeat into victory thanks to two second-half goals scored by Christian Micallef and Chris Ciappara. Dingli are now practically out of the promotion race.

Attard took the lead after just seven minutes from an own-goal by Dingli defender Edwin Casha. But on 23 minutes, Dingli drew level when Jonathan Sapiano headed in from a Conrad Zammit cross.

Just before the break, Sapiano fired Dingli ahead with another powerful header. But Attard hit strongly after the break and deservedly drew level on the hour thanks to a Micallef goal from a free-kick.

Attard were then awarded a penalty for a foul on Jason Borg. Ciappara converted to give his team three useful points.

Referee: Saviour Tanti.

MIA Division Three

Sta Venera Lightnings 0
Fgura United 0

This clash between two teams challenging for promotion finished all square. Fgura were very organised at the back with young goalkeeper Aaron Pace having a good match.

Pace was soon called in action to keep away a Jeffrey Zammit drive as Sta Venera surged forward from the word go. The Fgura goalkeeper was again superb when holding out Alfred Micallef's effort but then Pace had to thank his lucky stars when the ball bounced off the bar from a Zammit corner.

Play in the second half took place mostly in midfield. Fgura created their own chances but, in the end, both sides had to settle for a draw.

Referee: Adrian Ferriggi.

Ghaxaq 0
Pembroke Athleta 1

Pembroke maintained their promotion charge on Sunday with Carlo Leonardi scoring the goal that mattered that gave his team the three points and sole leadership in the standings.

Leonardi scored from a free-kick after only eight minutes of the game. From then on Ghaxaq dictated the run of play but their superiority only lasted until the end of the first half.

Pembroke assumed the initiative after the break and were denied on two occasions by Ghaxaq goalkeeper Mula off attempts by Joe Gauci and Trevor Naudi. In the closing stages, Ghaxaq pressed hard for an equaliser but Pembroke held tight to preserve their lead.

Referee: Edward Spiteri.