Naxxar Lions continued with their positive streak, their third positive result in a row, beating Senglea Athletic by the odd goal in five to repeat the result of the first round.

The match was very interesting with the Lions better in the first half, but Senglea deserved something better especially after their second half performance.

The precious points gained by Naxxar, puts the Lions in a healthier position in the middle of the table, a mere point behind Senglea. For Senglea this setback, came after two consecutive wins, and their slim hopes of getting back in the promotion hunt, were yesterday dealt a severe blow.

Naxxar enjoyed the lions’ share in the first half having the edge in the midfield sector. Simon Muscat was as usual one of the best players for his side, with Chima Dozie always dangerous with his runs.

Senglea still without Kenneth Abela in attack, and also missing Lawrence Attard at the back, had Glenn Bonello and Jason Borg up front with Simon Aquilina as a starter.

Mark Marlow and Darren Grech worked hard in midfield with Anthony Gera giving a good helping hand. The first part was played mainly in midfield with Naxxar showing the better ideas.

However Senglea took the lead on 25 minutes when Glenn Bonello’s cross was controlled by Marlow whose low cross was met by Anthony Gera who beat Cini from close range.

Senglea’s joy was short-lived as Naxxar obtained an immediate equaliser two minutes later. A Dozie free-kick found Naudi completely unmarked, but the Senglea keeper effected a brilliant save, and from the rebound Gilbert Camilleri shot home the equaliser.

Naxxar went close again with a Dozie free-kick saved by Attard, and on the other end a well taken Marlow free-kick was saved by Cini. Just before half time Cini had to dive to save a deflected Darren Grech free-kick destined for the back of the net.

In the second half Senglea dominated for long stretches with Naxxar dangerous in their breaks. After only two minutes Cini tipped into a corner a Darren Grech shot from the edge of the area. The same Cini was again called in action saving a Jason Borg shot and a close range shot from Gera.

On 64 minutes against the run of play, Naxxar forged ahead when a Dozie low free-kick perforated the Senglea wall with the ball finishing at the back of the net.

Senglea surged forward with Cini saving everything that came his way. However on 79 minutes Senglea obtained a deserved equaliser when they won a penalty for a Naudi tackle on Darren Grech. From the penalty spot Simon Aquilina made no mistake.

Naxxar had a couple of chances through Chima Dozie, with Attard blocking the danger.

With four minutes to go, Dozie ran through to a Magri pass, only to be brought down by David Gauci who was also sent off. From the resultant penalty Chima Dozie scored what proved to be the winner.