Marsaxlokk returned to winning ways yesterday by beating Pieta' handsomely to the tune of four goals to one. A hat trick by Soares Gomes and another goal from Licari consisted of Marsaxlokk's tally with Martin Deabov reducing the deficit for Pieta'

Both Pieta' and Marsaxlokk were entertaining hopes of gaining some points from this fixture with the Southseasiders particularly keen to register some improvement. In fact, they came close to score after 6 minutes but Ciscaldi managed to keep the ball at bay from a Frendo effort.

Marsaxlokk had a goal disallowed when Jamie Pace was deemed to have fouled his counterpart in the box after 13 minutes. Pieta' could have taken a shock lead on the quarter hour but Ilien Deanov shot well over the bar after having received from his brother Martin.

However the pressure finally told with Marsaxlokk going ahead on 21 minutes. Some fine work on the left by Sammut resulted in a cross to Soares Gomes who coolly shot past Hogg to give the Southseasiders the lead. The second came on 29 minutes when Gomes headed magisterially past Hogg after a good in swinging corner.

Pieta' tried to react with a fine free- kick by Deanov on 35 minutes but the effort was well saved by Hogg. However, Marsaxlokk trebled with Gomes who registered his hat- trick on 40 minutes with the match now over as a contest. The Hotspurs reduced the arrears on 42 minutes with a penalty converted coolly by Martin Deanov.

The second half began with Marsaxlokk on the offensive and Gomes almost grabbed his fourth but his shot ended up deflected for a corner. After an hour's play, Hogg was called upon for a great save off Cleaven Frendo with Gomes again poaching about.

Referee Alan Mario Sant ordered a penalty on 65 minutes but this was ruled over by Farrugia's signal of Frendo's offside position. Marsaxlokk made it four on 76 minutes after some dazzling work by Frendo on the left who crossed to new entrant Licari who made no mistake from close range.

By then it was all over with the Southseasiders wrapping up the three points.

Playing today: Hamrun Spartans-Valletta (7pm)