Naxxar Lions obtained a double against Balzan Youths, to push them in deep relegation trouble. Balzan are now very close to their second consecutive demotion after their historic premier experience.

On the other hand Naxxar, not only did they ease their relegation worries but are now in a challenging position for a promotion berth.

As things are Naxxar are only three points behind leaders Hamrun, and everything can still happen in this balanced first division season.

As was the case last week in their victory against Mqabba, Naxxar built their success on a solid defence, with their goalkeeper Cini again in excellent form saving his side from a certain goal just before Ani scored the Lions' second goal.

The match never really reached high standards and much more was expected from Balzan. Joe Borg's side lacked the necessary fighting spirit to win such matches and their prospects have now diminished considerably.

Needing the victory to keep their hopes alive, Balzan took control of midfield, even though they sorely felt Mark Marlow's absence. Balzan's strikers Alistair Camilleri and Simon Mizzi, were closely marked by Zuccaroa and Sixsmith who had another good match in the heart of the Lions' defence.

Naxxar took the lead with a rather lucky goal scored in the 29th minute when Justin Zammit's shot was deflected by Cappitta with the ball completely deceiving a helpless Bonello in the Balzan goal.

Earlier Balzan went close with a Beppe Pace freekick that missed the base of the upright, and with a good move between Jerryton Agius and Mizzi, with the latter testing Cini.

In the second half Balzan went very close to the equaliser when Alistair Camilleri was denied by a splendid Cini save. From the resultant move Naxxar doubled the score, when Jerry Ani, who scored a hat trick in the first round against Balzan, scored following a typical run on the right flank.

The match was now in the Lions' hands, with Bellia and Ani missing chances for the third goal. But on 72 minutes Balzan came back into the game when Jerryton Agius scored from close range with the Naxxar defence caught napping.

With nine minutes to go Jerry Ani gave Balzan the killer touch when he fired in the top corner of the net following a corner taken by Zammit.