Xewkija Tigers returned to winning ways after edging Victoria Hotspurs 2-1 in a clash between two sides aiming for the top positions.

Xewkija, who lost to Kerċem Ajax in their previous outing, were without John Camilleri but two first-half goals paved the way for their victory.

On 18 minutes, Daniel Bogdanovic took advantage of some hesistant handling by keeper Matthew Vella and headed easily into an open goal.

Minutes later, Xewkija’s Thierry Tazemeta had a lob that came off the post but the Tigers doubled their lead on 35 minutes from a penalty, awarded for a foul by James Tabone on Bogdanovic.

Tazemeta made it 2-0 from the spot.

The Hotspurs, who had Jason Pace and Josef Buttigieg suspended and Jonathan Bajada and William Barbosa unavailable, only began to pose a threat after the Tigers had Gennaro Hili sent off 20 minutes from time.

However, they only succeeded in halving the deficit from a penalty awarded for a foul on Miguel Montano who picked himself up to score from the spot.

Għajnsielem failed to keep the momentum going as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Oratory Youths.

Għajnsielem player-coach Shaun Bajada had a header, from a corner, that hit the crossbar but on 44 minutes, Oratory surprised their opponents when Anderson Ribeiro netted with a spectacular lob from outside the box.

On 69 minutes, Oratory were reduced to 10 men when Ribeiro was sent off.

Għajnsielem managed to salvage a point on 81 minutes when keeper Leonard Camilleri committed an own goal as he tried to keep out Bajada’s inswinger from a corner.

Meanwhile, fourth-placed Kerċem Ajax also failed to collect all three points after a goalless draw with lowly St Lawrence Spurs.

Kerċem, looking somewhat overconfident, were erratic in their conclusions, mainly through Malcolm Vella and Shaun Attard.

On the other hand, the Spurs were well deployed at the back and could have snatched a shock winner through striker Sunday Baala following a series of counter-breaks.

Division Two

Xagħra United extended their lead at the top of the standings to five points after trouncing Munxar Falcons 5-0.

The Blues opened the scoring following an own goal by Manwel Galea (12) and Joseph Xerri (37) made it 2-0 before half-time.

Marvic Grima (52) and a Daniel Bartolo double (70, 87) completed the scoreline for Xagħra as Munxar had keeper Damien Spiteri sent off when his team was 4-0 down.

Second-placed Nadur stayed on Xagħra’s heels after a 3-1 win over Qala Saints.

Brand Said scored a hat-trick for the Youngsters (6, 38, 81).

Qala’s Alan Cini had temporarily re-opened the issue after reducing the deficit on 71 minutes.

In another Division Two match, Għarb Rangers registered their first win of the season after beating Żebbuġ Rovers 2-0.

Justin Azzopardi had his penalty partially saved by the goalkeeper but he netted from the rebound in the first half.

Sylvan Galea doubled the score on 74 minutes.

Division One

Division Two