Lija Ath.-Marsaxlokk 0-3

Following the last gasp draw against Valletta in the previous outing, Marsaxlokk returned to winning ways yesterday as they easily overcame inferior opponents Lija Athletic to keep their chances for a Championship Pool berth well alive and kicking.

Marsaxlokk have now climbed into sixth place in the standings and await today's direct clash between Floriana and Pieta as the first phase draws to an intruguing end.

An early goal paved the way for Marsaxlokk's deserved win, inspired by their midfield mentor Trendafilov, whose name on the team sheet was yesterday put down as Ivanov.Their executor however was Malcolm Licari, gradually showing his old scoring touches, as he notched a brace, albeit one from a lamentable penalty decision.

Marsaxlokk could afford to leave the likes of Ivan Zammit, Charlo Magro, Michael Okei and their latest signing Shaun Bajada on the bench.

Zammit was inclided before the break, while Bajada made his appearance on the hour.

The southseasiders dominated the first half hour against the edgy unco-ordinated opponents, evidently still unable to shrug off the disappointment of their previous defeat by St Patrick.

Hardly had Lija settled into the game before Marsaxlokk took a sixth minute lead when Jamie Pace ran in to connect to Licari's pass, outpaced his direct marker Cosaites and beat Lija's keeper Agius with a low diagonal strike.

That early goal put Marsaxlokk firmly in control as Trendafilov, Camilleri and Kevin Mamo were continuously involved in their build-ups.

On 13 minutes Licari went past Okeke from the bye-line on the left, only to be blocked by the keeper.

On the quarter hour, Kevin Mamo's header on Trendafilov's cross missed the target by a whisker.

And towards the half hour Licari ran in for Buhagiar's pass, but Lanzon's clearance nearly surprised his keeper who footed the ball out.

Lija, looking very aenemic in attack, only ventured out of their half after the half hour. They looked menacing with a Camenzuli inswinging free-kick from the right, headed into a corner by Buhagiar. And on 36 minutes Ivanov cleared Camenzuli's low cross before Nicky Gatt could connect.

Before half time, Marsaxlokk were forced to substitute the injured Templemann with Ivan Zammit.

Hardly three minutes after the re-start, Lija suffered another setback.Camenzuli's challenge on Trendafilovov inside the area earned Marsaxlokk a penalty after assistant Spiteri flagged the infringement to the referee. Malcolm Licari tucked away his second league goal from the spot.

Shortly after his appearance for his new club, Bajada was involved in Marsaxlokk's third goal on 67 minutes as he flicked Carlo Mamo's cross from the left towards Malcolm Licari who shot in first time past the helpless Agius.

With the points virtually secured, Marsaxlokk eased the tempo although Lija's reaction remained flaccid, despite them effecting all their three substitutions.

Marsaxlokk even fluffed another dood opportunity through Ivan Zammit who missed a sitter, shooting straight into the keeper's hands when put clear by Bajada.

There was even time for Marsaxlokk to put in Ochei in the late stages, but that did not change the final outcome. The more superior team won with merit.

Lija A: S. Agius, D. Okeke, N. Gatt, D. Cosaites (A. Ellul), G. Lanzon, K. Zammit, D. Scerri (E. Azzopardi), G. Camenzuli, G. Barry, P. Camilleri (M. Agius), M. Gatt

Marsaxlokk: Marsaxlokk: I. Casha, C. Paiber, R. Buhagiar (M. Ochei), C. Mamo, S. Tellus, D. Camilleri, T. Templeman (I. Zammit), M. Trendafilov, M. Licari, J. Pace, K. Mamo (S. Bajada).

Referee: K. Azzopardi Asst. Refs: A. Camilleri, I. Spiteri 4th Official: A. Azzopardi

Scorers: J. Pace, M. Licari 2 (1 pen)

Yellow cards: G. camenzuli, M. Agius

Player of the match: M. Trendafilov (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. M. Trendafilov, 2. K. Mamo, 3. N. Gatt