A second half penalty scored by their goalkeeper was enough for Marsa to inflict the first defeat of the season on run-away leaders St George's in yesterday's top-of-the-table clash.

The match never reached high standards with the best of the game in the second half. Marsa were worthy winners as they showed the better ideas over a rather below par St George's side. Slavchev at the back and Gilbert Martin Martin were the best players on the field of play, as they guided their side to this much important victory, leaving the Red Blues as the only unbeaten side in the tournament, a mere point behind the Saints.

The first half was very balanced with both sides blocking each other in midfield. The match resulted in a rather drab affair, with Marsa showing the better ideas.

The Thomas brothers were on the reserves bench, with Trevor making way for Miguel Mifsud who was making the debut for the league leaders.

Gilbert Martin was very active in the first half, and his tussle with Sevasta was the highlight of the first half. Martin was well supported by Steve Meilak and Daniel Gatt, with Jean Paul Zammit efficient on the right flank.

The Saints were in a rather subdued form in the first period with Ewurun unable to produce his best against a well-organised Marsa defence.

The only scoring chances came from long distance shots, especially from Slavchev who was the most active for his side. After three minutes he tested Gatt with a grounder, and on 15 minutes the same Slavchev again tried his luck direct from a freekick, but Gatt was on the alert to save.

On 22 minutes, Slavchev's shot slightly missed the upright, and six minutes later St George's had their best and only chance of the first half when Ewurun won a loose ball on the edge of the area, with his shot missing the upright by inches.

In the second half Marsa had a promising start missing two good opportunities through Cutajar and Meilaq. On 65 minutes Meilaq missed a sitter all alone in front of goal after a good pass by Casha.

However 60 seconds later Marsa were in front when Gilbert Martin was brought down inside the area by Sevasta, and from the resultant penalty the Marsa goalkeeper Ivan Casha shot home with a fierce drive.

The Saints dominated the last part of the match creating some anxious moments in the Marsa defence. With eight minutes to go Bencini came to Marsa's rescue blocking a shot from substitute Trevor Thomas destined for the back of the net.

Two minutes from time St George's were unlucky when a Darmanin freekick hit the crossbar. On the other end Marsa missed the easiest of chances when Gilbert Martin did all the spadework, but Timmy Thomas shot incredibly wide with an open goal at his mercy.