Balzan Y-Lija A 4-2

Balzan had a great start in this derby and after just three minutes they broke the deadlock through Gilbert Scerri. Barely two minutes later the Youths increased their lead as a free-kick taken by Scerri was taken up by Antoine Sacco who shot in from close-range.

Lija appeared to be a demoralised lot with Balzan going close to adding further goals through Gilbert Scerri and Antoine Sacco.

Gradually Lija settled down with the Balzan custodian Bonello bringing off fine saves to deny Elton Azzopardi and Beppe Antignolo but they managed to reduce the arrears on 33 minutes through a strong shot by Lydon Cilia which took Bonello by surprise.

Balzan replied through two dangerous attempts by Scerri and Sacco.

Early in the second period Lija created two clear opportunities through Lydon Cilia and Glen Barry with Balzan responding through Antoine Sacco whose shot was blocked on the goal line.

On 65 minutes Balzan made it 3-1 through Ives Bilocca and ten minutes later substitute Kurt Coleiro further increased their lead following good work by Sacco. Lija managed to pull a goal back through Glen Barry’s header with Balzan wasting two clear opportunities as shots by Bilocca and Coleiro just missed the target.

Referee: Paul Apap.

Mgarr-San Gwann 2-2

After just two minutes Mgarr broke the deadlock through Chris Abela following a personal effort.

In the 6th minute Mgarr increased their lead with Eric Schembri crossing from the left flank and Chris Abela managed to beat Spiteri from close range to make it 2-0.

At the other end the Mgarr custodian saved onto the post to deny Malcolm Tirchett but they had better luck in the 36th minute as Alan Spiteri managed to pull a goal back.

Mgarr went close through Chris Abela with the Saints’ reply producing a Roberto Brincat shot which just missed the target.

Early in the second half San Gwann went close through Ryan Newell and Alan Spiteri but they managed to draw level in the 70th minute through a low shot by Alan Borg from the edge of the penalty area.

Mgarr replied through Chris Abela whose point-blank effort was parried by Spiteri with the Saints ending the match with ten players as Ryan Newell was booked for a second time and was sent off.

Referee: Thomas Debono.