Marsa beat Tarxien by the odd goal in five in an exciting match to go to the top of the First Division league. The match was very interesting and exciting, with Tarxien having more of the ball, but with Marsa always menacing in their breaks.

Marsa played an intelligent match in midfield and especially in defence, with goalkeeper Casha very steady between the posts, and with veteran Slavchev giving a good contribution. As usual Gilbert Martin was inspiring for the Red Blues, together with hard working Joseph Casha and Zammit.

Tarxien showed the better ideas in the first half, but Marsa were rather unlucky in their counter breaks, hitting the upright and missing a penalty. Carlos Camenzuli missed a sitter on 24 minutes, and two minutes later Marsa won a penalty after the Tarxien goalkeeper mistimed his sortie, flooring Martin in the process. But goalkeeper Curmi made amends saving brilliantly the penalty taken by Slavchev.

Tarxien had two great opportunities minutes later, with Camenzuli denied by Casha, and with Coleiro heading inches wide.

On 39 minutes Tarxien's defence was caught napping, but Meilaq's shot hit the base of the upright. Casha effected the best save denying Schembri, and just before the final whistle Marsa forged ahead. It was a classic own goal by defender Eric Saliba who headed into his own net a corner taken by Martin.

On the resumption of play Tarxien obtained the equaliser when Alan Tabone's perfect freekick finished in the top corner of the net. However Tarxien's joy was shortlived as Marsa went ahead again on 54 minutes when Joseph Casha headed home a Gilbert Martin cross from the left.

Tarxien's only good chance for the equaliser came from a long distance shot by defender Floyd Farrugia which was brilliantly saved by Casha.

On 72 minutes Marsa sealed the issue when Steve Meilaq finished off a good personal run with a grounder that found the back of the net. Two minutes from time Tarxien reduced the arrears through Gordon Camenzuli after some good work by Simon Shead.