Marsaxlokk: R. Gauci, M. Licari, C. Mamo, C. Magro, S. Wellman, N. Gomes, J. Pace, C. Nwoko, K. Sammut (W. Gomes), C. Frendo (S. Bajada), A. Schembri

Sliema W: M. Akanji, J. Brincat, M. Dilello, B. Said, N. Turner, D. Doncic, J. Chetcuti, I. Woods, D. Carabott (A. Muscat), S. Giglio, D. Bogdanovic (R. Bajada)

Referee: M. Borg asst. refs: K. Borg, A. Camilleri 4th official: L. Sammut

Scorers: D. Doncic, N. Gomes, K. Sammut

Yellow cards: N. Gomes, C. Mamo, S. Giglio, D. Carabott, K. Sammut, C. Frendo, S.Wellman

Player of the match: Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. K. Sammut 2. A. Schembri 3. J. Pace

Marsaxlokk beat the champions for the first time this season to go joint second with the same Wanderers, four points behind leaders Birkirkara.

The match never reached high standards and only came to life in the second half when Marsaxlokk scored two goals in quick succession to turn the tide in their favour. It was a deserved win for Marsaxlokk as Sliema looked a tired lot in the second half.

Kevin Sammut, Andre Schembri, Frendo and Pace played their hearts to obtain a deserved win for the Southseasiders.

The second half display by the Wanderers should sound as a warning to Sliema coach Edward Aquilina, as the champions lacked the physical pace against a fitter team.

At times in the final moments of the match Marsaxlokk completely outclassed their opponents to legitimate this hard earned victory.

The match had a quite start but burst to life on 16 minutes with Sliema taking the lead. Danilo Doncic rose high to meet a David Carabott corner and head beautifully home. David Carabott who was preferred to Alex Muscat on the right flank, was playing against his first love.

Tension reigned as Marsaxlokk appealed for a penalty as Andre Schembri was pulled by Chetcuti.

Marsaxlokk held the initiative for long stretches but the game was very tense, with Stefan Giglio escaping with a yellow card after a nasty tackle on Jamie Pace.

However Marsaxlokk's first real attempt came on 38 minutes following a good Andre Schembri cross from the right, with Carlo Mamo shooting slightly over the bar. Two minutes from the break Marsaxlokk had a good opportunity when Cleavon Frendo received from Wellman but all alone in front of Akanji, could only shoot straight in the goalkeeper's body.

The last chance of the first half came Sliema's way with Doncic passing to Bogdanovic whose shot was blocked by Gomes.

The second half had a very quite start with the match never reaching great heights. However on 59 minutes Marsaxlokk obtained the equaliser when Akanji could only partially save Schembri's shot and Nuno Gomes headed home from the rebound.

Marsaxlokk were now in the driver's seat and three minutes later they took the lead. Cleaven Frendo did all the spade work on the right and crossed to Kevn Sammut who shot home from close range. Sliema showed signs of weakness as they completely lost composure. Jamie Pace created havoc, but Andre Schembri's shot went wide.

Sliema introduced Rodrick Bajada for the off-form Bogdanovic. This move gave the Sliema midfield more power as Giglio and Brincat could not cope with Marsaxlokk's superiority in this sector. On 72 minutes Doncic received from Bajada but his shot was saved by Gauci.

The match dragged on with Sliema unable to worry the Marsaxlokk defence, as the Seasiders found ample space to roam in the opposing penalty area.