Pieta H 3

Birkirkara 0

The Hotspurs maintained top spot with 36 points from 13 games while the Stripes suffered a seventh defeat. Pieta were the better side creating more chances than their opponents.

Stripes’ keeper Mark Sciberras had to dive and save a cross-shot by Glanville Goodlip.

On nine minutes Pieta drew first blood. Daniel Gatt put Goodlip through, the latter crossed to John Debono who made no mistake from inside the area.

Sciberras then neutralised a cross by Karl Pulo and a Stripes defender cleared the ball to safety after Sciberras had partially saved on Goodlip.

Pieta resumed their pressure when Goodlip lobbed over the bar after a Pulo through ball.

Birkirkara were awarded a penalty when Desmond Pace handled the ball in the area after a Paulvic Xuereb cross, but Steve Mercieca drove out from the spot.

Five minutes after restart, the woodwork denied Birkirkara the equaliser when the ball thumped the base of the upright from a shot by Xuereb with Pieta’ keeper Camilleri beaten.

Gatt put Goodlip through but Sciberras neutralised the latter’s cross.

In a Stripes counter-attack, Mark Cremona put George Marinov through, and hindered by the Pieta’ keeper who narrowed the angle, drove out.

A well-taken freekick by Ryan Camilleri was turned to corner by Sciberras who had to effect a spectacular save.

Pieta’ doubled on 70 minutes, from a Pulo well taken flagkick, Goodlip made no mistake from close range and five minutes later it became 3-0 when substitute Clifford Obinivanne put Debono through who netted on entering the area.

Referee: Manuel Calleja

Player of the match: Daniel Gatt (Pieta H)

Mosta were awarded a walkover as Naxxar Lions failed to make an appearance.

Other results

Under 14

Section A: Balzan-Pieta 1-4; Melita-Mellieha 2-0; Qormi-Msida 1-0; Paola H.-Floriana 1-0.

Section B: Attard-Mgarr U. 0-2.

Section C1: Kirkop-Luqa 1-1; San Gwann-Ghaxaq 7-0.

Section C2: Marsa-Pembroke 0-1.

Under 16

Section A: Melita-San Gwann 1-1; Floriana-Mellieha 2-1; Sliema W.-Zebbug 9-0.

Section B: Hamrun-Valletta 4-4; Qormi-Balzan 3-3; Zurrieq-Mgarr 4-1; Attard-Tarxien 0-1; St Patrick-Marsa 5-0; B’Buga-Dingli S. 3-0.

Section C: Mqabba-St Venera postponed; St George’s-Marsaxlokk 1-1.