Senglea 1

Tarxien R. 0

A rather controversial penalty scored 14 minutes from time gave Senglea three valuable points against direct opponents Tarxien, to keep alive their promotion aspirations. Now Senglea, with their third consecutive win, are only two points from second placed Marsa, and just one behind Mqabba and Tarxien.

The duel between Babolayefa and the Brazilian was the highlight of the first half.

Kenneth Abela was Senglea's spearhead, supported by Jason Borg.

Tarxien dominated the dying minutes of the first half and were rather unlucky when defender Farrugia hit the upright from close range, with Attard beaten. The Senglea custodian came to his side's rescue minutes from the break when he blocked a dangerous Camenzuli shot.

The second half started with Kenneth Abela testing Curmi, with Tarxien hitting back with a Camenzuli half volley saved by Attard. On 63 minutes Omar Grech made his way inside the area but his shot went slightly over the bar, and three minutes later Senglea had their best chance when Jason Borg created havoc in the Rainbows¹ defence but his shot missed the upright by inches.

On 76 minutes goalkeeper Curmi rushed out to block Babolayefa, and with the ball ball still clasped in his hands, referee Kevin Azzopardi awarded the penalty. After strong protests from the Tarxien players, Simon Aquilina scored what proved to be the winner.

San Gwann 4

Naxxar L. 1

San Gwann eased their relegation worries when they beat rivals Naxxar 4-1, to put their minds at rest. Following this defeat Naxxar are still in trouble and will await eagerly today's result between Lija and St Andrew’s, as a win for Lija will put them back under pressure.

Both teams are not yet sure of keeping their status, but they played open attacking football. Chima Dozie and Gilbert Camilleri for the Lions and Anizoba, Sciberras and Penza for San Gwann kept the opposing defences constantly on the alert.

In the opening stages, Naxxar had good attempts from Camilleri and Bellia whose shot hit the side netting. On 24 minutes Randolph Penza was floored by Cedric Sciberras, and from the resultant penalty Kevin Loughborough made no mistake.

Naxxar could have equalised on 36 minutes but Camilleri headed over the bar a well taken freekick by Trevor Fenech.

Four minutes later Spiteri effected a great save denying Dozie from close range. Just before half time San Gwann doubled the score, when Randolph Penza headed home a perfect Loughborough corner from the right.

At the start of the second half San Gwann put the issue beyond any doubt when Karl Sciberras' deflected shot finished at the back of the net. San Gwann were now in full command even though Naxxar did not give in easily, going near through Bellia and Dozie.

Anizoba created havoc with his runs all over the field and the Naxxar defence passed through some anxious moments.

Eight minutes from time Naxxar scored a consolation goal when Cedric Sciberras' freekick was missed by friends and foe, with the ball finishing at the back of the net.

In injury time San Gwann re-established their three goal margin with Anizoba creating havoc in the Naxxar penalty area with Alan Borg tapping in from close range.