A late penalty scored by captain Giles Lanzon gave Lija Athletic their first win of the season against a rather unlucky Naxxar side. The match was very balanced and never reached high standards, with Naxxar slightly having the edge for long stretches.

However Lija, under the guidance of new coach Jimmy Briffa, scored the all important winner to move from the bottom places in the table.

Actions were scarce with Dozie missing two easy chances for Naxxar and Simon Muscat hitting wide from a good position following a good Dozie move. Lija’s best chance in the first half came John Camilleri’s way, but the ex-Gozo FC player headed feebly in the goalkeeper’s hands.

In the second half Naxxar were slightly better with Muscat denied by a great Mercieca save.

On 77 minutes Mercieca saved again this time a Dozie header. But three minutes later Lija scored the all important goal when substitute Justin Zammit floored Gatt and captain Lanzon made no mistake from the penalty spot to give Lija their first win of the season.

San Gwann 1

Marsa 3

Marsa regained the sole leadership following a hard earned victory over lowly San Gwann. The match was rather balanced but Marsa had more of the ball and kept their cool even with a goal down.

In the second half, especially after forging ahead for the first time, Marsa showed the better ideas as they controlled their opponents weak reaction.

The first half was balanced with Marsa lacking the striking power of attacker Gilbert Martin who is nursing an injury. San Gwann, had their problems in their line up as they had Anizoba, Cuschieri and Zammit Fava missing.

On 25 minutes San Gwann took a surprise lead when Karl Sciberras scored from close following a good cross from the right. San Gwann controlled their opponents in midfield, and their defence was never in danger. However just before the break Marsa obtained the equaliser when Steve Meilaq nipped in to score following a bad clearance from the San Gwann defence.

In the second half Marsa were the better team on the field of play and managed to forge ahead on 62 minutes when Steve Meilaq passed to Timmy Thomas who lobbed over Spiteri and into the net.

The Redblues started to play the better football.

With three minutes to go Marsa put the issue beyond doubt with a Timmy Thomas goal after his first effort had hit the upright.