Title chasers Victoria Hotspurs and Għajnsielem failed to win their matches against modest opposition last week as both missed a good opportunity to strengthen their bids to become champions.

Għajnsielem slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Sannat Lions. The latter took an early lead through Errol Grima and then held off their opponents' reaction to ease their relegation worries.

Sannat were better deployed after the break and closed all avenues to goal for Għajnsielem. Their counter-attacking strategy paid off when, with six minutes left, John Camilleri found the net to secure Sannat's victory.

The Hotspurs retained top spot despite failing to go beyond a goalless draw in the derby against SK Victoria Wanderers.

Striker Uchenna Anyanwu returned for the Hotspurs but Czech striker Martin Hanus's absence hampered their hopes of stopping a two-match losing streak. They had a poor outing and found it extremely difficult to create openings despite playing for most of the match with an extra player.

The Wanderers were reduced to 10 men after 26 minutes when Simon Gatt was sent off for a foul on John Paul Grima.

The Hotspurs went closest to scoring just before half-time when a shot by Grima hit the post.

After the break, Wanderers' substitute Lauran Dimech could have given his team a shock lead on two occasions and, in the dying seconds, it was keeper Adrian Parnis who denied the Hotspurs with a fine save from Anyanwu's shot.

Division Two

Xagħra United blew their promotion chances after an unexpected defeat to Żebbug Rovers. The Blues have now slipped four points behind leaders St Lawrence Spurs.

Rovers scored the goal that decided the issue on 12 minutes through Sylvan Galea. Xagħra launched waves of attacks after the break but it was Żebbuġ who came closest to doubling their lead but Abdul Mutalib and Galea fluffed their chances.

Żebbug are now joint third in the standings with Munxar Falcons and Oratory Youths. The latter cruised to a 4-0 win over lowly Għarb Rangers in their last outing.

Andrew Zammit, Dione Lautier (2) and Francesco Cini scored for Oratory.

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