Marsaxlokk 3

St Patrick 1

Marsaxlokk: I. Casha, C. Mamo, A. Schembri, S. Bajada, C. Frendo, M. Licari (C. Magro), M. Trendafilov, R. Buhagiar, J. Pace, C. Paiber, S. Tellus.

St Patrick: F. Azzopardi, R. Cassar, D. Gauci (D. Pisani), M. Fleri Soler, M. Tanti (C. Cioffi), M. Pullicino (S. Costa Brasilino), G. Failla, T. Caruana, B. Fenech, P. Chizoba Anizoba, C. Dozie.

Referee: A. Azzopardi Asst refs: J. Camilleri, N. Debattista. 4th official: AM Sant.

Scorers: C. Frendo 2, M. Tanti, pen., M. Licari,

Yellow cards: G. Failla, R. Buhagiar, M. Pullicino, C. Frendo,

Player of the match: M. Trendafilov.

TMI Top 3: 1. C. Frendo; 2. R. Cassar; 3. M. Licari.

Marsaxlokk moved a step closer to a Championship Pool place yesterday as they beat St Patrick

3-1 .

The result also meant that Msida, docked two points in midweek following the incidents at the end of their match against Pieta, will now play in the Relegation Pool in the second phase.

Marsaxlokk made sure of their win in the second half when they finally turned their superiority into goals.

It was only a fault of their own that they did not take a handsome lead in the first half. Having missed a good number of chances, they went on to take the lead, but eventually, they were shocked when the Saints, who had defended stoutly against the wind, equalised in added injury time.

Of the Marsaxlokk newcomers, Frendo was clearly the most active, but he was the chief culprit as he missed some easy chances before finally scoring an excellent goal. Andre Schembri also had a good outing as his passes created moments of anxiety in the Saints defence where Robert Cassar was outstanding.

The first action arrived on 12 minutes when Schembri passed to Frendo who crossed low into the area for Licari to see his first timer hitting the crossbar.

Soon after, at the other end, Anizoba Chizoba had a good effort well saved by Casha.

On 20 minutes, a splendid Marsaxlokk action involving Schembri, Trendafilov and Frendo saw the latter hitting incredibly wide after avoiding the goalkeeper.

Six minutes later, it was again Frendo who lifted his effort over the bar.

Marsaxlokk opened the scoring on 32 minutes. Paiber passed to Cleaven Frendo who went round an opponent before hitting low and hard into the net.

Trendafilov went very close with a freekick and when it seemed as if St Patrick would collapse, they hit back to equalise through a Mark Tanti penalty in added injury time after Thomas Caruana was floored by Buhagiar.

On 52 minutes, Frendo set Schembri in the area, but Azzopardi saved the flick miraculously. Soon, Azzopardi was again in action turning to corner a Shaun Bajada freekick.

On 55 minutes, Marsaxlokk were again in front. Pace crossed into the area. Azzopardi punched out but Malcolm Licari was on hand to head the ball home.

The score became 3-1 on 72 minutes as Andre Schembri crossed low for Cleaven Frendo to hit home past Azzopardi.