A late goal by substitute Randolph Penza enabled San Gwann to beat Naxxar Lions and move five points clear over Balzan at the bottom part of the table. The three points gained practically saved San Gwann and only a miracle can now save Balzan Youths from the drop to Division Two.

San Gwann expressed their best in the second part of the match when they were surely helped by the strong wind behind their backs. In fact Naxxa rwere surely more dangerous and better organised in the first half, but in the second half San Gwann were a transformed side and their win puts their minds at rest.

Naxxar were the better team in the first half, with a solid defence guided by Sixsmith, and a hard working midfield with Bellia above the rest. Brian Chetcuti was very effective with his runs on the right flank, and from his runs and crosses came all Naxxar’s danger. League top scorer Jerry Ani combined well with Gilbert Camilleri and the San Gwann central defenders, Vella and Vella Critien were in for a tough morning.

San Gwann were rather subdued especially in attack were Decesare was not at his usual best and Achukwu only managed to break through in the early stages, testing Cini in the Lions’ goal.

On 28 minutes San Gwann goalkeeper Bartolo effected the best save when he brilliantly turned into a corner a Gilbert Camileri header following a perfect Chetcuti cross. Minutes later the same Chetcuti blasted high following an Ani run.

San Gwann hit back with efforts from Chris Cuschieri and Achukwu. But San Gwann had to thank defender Stacey Vella who cleared off the line a certain goal, when a Sixsmith freekick completely deceived goalkeeper Bartolo.

The second half was a different story with San Gwann taking full control of midfield, with Loughborough, Zammit Fava and Decesare playing a commanding role. San Gwann pushed their opponents in their penalty area going near with a decesare freekick and a Loughborougjh first timer. On 64 minutes Naxxar goalkeeper Cini denied Achukwu with a superb save. The match continued with Naxxar on the defensive, until the 85th minute when San Gwann scored the important winner. Mark Psaila crossed from the left to the unmarked Randolph Penza who easily scored with a low shot. The same player almost doubled the score four minutes later but his header from a Decesare corner slightly missed the target.

Marsa 2

Balzan Y 2

Balzan obtained a dramatic equaliser against Marsa, after suffering two goals in the first half, to obtain a point that in all probability will not be enough for their cause. The Youths needed desperately the three points at stake to keep hoping to save their status, but they found in Marsa a hard nut to crack.

The Redblues were the better team, and could have made a bold step towards promotion, but Balzan’s late desperate rally foiled their aim. Marsa had in Kevin Farrugia and Gilbert Martin their best players, with the young striker confirming his potential with some neat dribbling and touches that were a delight to watch.

The match was mainly played in midfield with Kevin Farrugia outstanding for the Redblues. The first attempt at goal came Marsa’s way when Cutajar tested Farrugia from the edge of the area. On 24 minutes minutes Alistair Camilleri hesitated in front of goal following a good Beppe Pace pass from defence.

On the half hour Lee Grima passed to Gilbert Martin whose shot went inches wide. Min utes later Balzan appealed for a penalty when Camilleri was brought down in the area, but referee Esther Farrugia, in her debut, waved played on.

In the last three minutes of the first half Marsa scored two goals that seemed to kill all Balzan’s hopes. On 42 minutes Shaun Cutajar beat Farrugia from the edge of the area in the low corner, and three minutes later, Casha passed to Grima who squared to the unmarked Gilbert Martin who slotted home from close range.

In the second half Marsa controlled without much effort Balzan’s weak and confused reaction, a reaction which was only effective in the late stages of the match. On 55 minutes Balzan had their first chance with a good shot from the edge of the area by Sciortino, which was tipped into a corner by Attard.

With 11 minutes to go Balzan reduced the arrears when Kevin Curmi shot home from close range a freekick from the right by Pierre Grima. Balzan increased their efforts with Marsa missing some chances in the open spaces left by the Youths’ defence. In the 90th minute Balzan obtained a dramatic equaliser when in a melee in front of goal, it was defender Cutajar who shot into his own net in an attempt to clear off the line.

Gozo FC 0

St George’s 3

At the Gozo stadium, St George’s beat already relegated Gozo FC with a Trevor Thomas second half hat-trick. Gozo trailed by a 66th minute goal until two minutes from the end when Thomas scored two more goals in quick succession.