CYPRUS
In their first commitment of 2019, Apollon Limassol defeated Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in the first leg of the second round of the domestic cup.
Andre Schembri entered the fray on minute 72, replacing Fotios Papoulis.
ITALY
Zach Muscat featured in Pistoiese's final game of 2018 when they hosted Pro Patria in the Italian Serie C.
Muscat and co. emerged winners 3-1 to pull themselves from the relegation spots as they are now 15th from 20 teams, on 17 points.
ENGLAND
A wonderful opening to the new year for Luke Gambin as he netted a brace in Crawley Town's victory against Colchester United in League Two.
Gambin, who has represented Malta 18 times, has now scored three league goals for the Reds this season.
Crawley are currently 17th on 30 points, four points distant from the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, there was another Maltese derby in the National League as Ebbsfleet United met Braintree Town for a second week in a row.
The Fleet, with whom Sam Magri plays, emerged winners 4-0. Braintree's Oscar Borg played 55 minutes.
Former Braintree skipper Joseph Ellul has left the club as he is moving to New Zealand where he will first sign a short contract with Tasman United of the ISPS Handa Premiership (National League). The Nelson-based side currently sit in 9th position of the 10 team league. He will afterwards head to North Wellington during the winter league.
Former Malta U-19 international, Jordan Williams, played full game for Mangotsfield United but it ended in a 1-5 defeat at the hands of Cinderford Town in the Southern League Division One.
Williams' Mangotsfield stay in 18th place, just three points distant from the red zone.