Naxxar L. 2
Mqabba 5
Mqabba made a great recovery in the second half against ten-man Naxxar to get back in the hunt for the promotion race. Mqabba had not won in the last three matches, a streak that almost thwarted their promotion ambitions. On the other hand this third successive defeat puts the Lions in deep trouble, and gives Lija Athletic fresh hopes of recovery.
Keith Mallia scored a hat trick and John Paul Muscat scored a brace for Mqabba. The scoreline is severe on Dennis Fenech's team, as they were only outclassed when they were reduced to ten players.
Mqabba did the early running with Briffa, Anastasi and Muscat in brilliant form. However on six minutes Naxxar took the lead in their first real danger when Glenn Magri nipped in to score an inviting Bellia low cross.
On eleven minutes Mqabba's Mallia was denied by a brilliant Cini save. Mqabba obtained the equaliser on 25 minutes when Keith Mallia scored from close range a well taken corner by Pierre Grima.
The last minutes of the first half were dominated by Naxxar. Dozie missed a sitter when he beat the offside trap, but shot incredibly wide. But the same player made no mistake on 41 minutes when he scored a beauty from the edge of the area.
Mqabba were kept in the game by two brilliant saves by their goalkeeper Kris Calleja. First he saved a point blank shot from Jose Borg and then he somehow blocked a fierce freekick by Dozie.
The second half started with Mqabba surging forward. On 53 minutes their chances were boosted when Jose Borg was shown the second yellow card and Naxxar were reduced to ten players. Three minutes later Mqabba were back on level terms when John Paul Muscat finished off a brilliant Mqabba move involving five players.
On 64 minutes Mqabba took the lead for the first time when John Paul Muscat headed in from close range a Grima freeekick. Mqabba scored the fourth goal on 77 minutes when an Edric Borg dipper slammed against the crossbar and Keith Mallia easily obtained his brace from close range.
Just before the final whistle Keith Mallia obtained his hat trick when he scored following a quick break between Marlon Briffa and Anastasi.San Gwann put their minds at rest
St Andrews 0
San Gwann 2
San Gwann finally put their minds at rest when they beat the already relegated side St Andrew's with two second half goals. Now San Gwann are mathematically safe, with their last match against Senglea a mere formality.
San Gwann obtained what they worked for throughout the season, showing some good football in the process, giving a chance to some very interesting youngsters.
The game was not an easy one for San Gwann as they only came to grips with their opponents in the second half, especially after taking the lead.
San Gwann held the initiative for long stretches and created several scoring chances in the first 45 minutes, with the Saints' defence under constant pressure. However the already relegated Saints gave a very good account of themselves, never giving away an inch.
Goalkeeper Debono effected several saves to keep his opponents at bay in the first half. In the first minutes he blocked shots from Penza and Sciberras.
Tha Saints had their chances as well through Ian Borg and a Briffa header that went over the bar. Anizoba was rather subdued by the Saints' defenders with his only shot at goal on 20 minutes.
In the second half San Gwann increased the pressure and finally broke the ice on 61 minutes when from a corner kick from the right Anizoba headed towards Karl Sciberras who headed in from close range.
The Saints had no reply and after Anizoba missed a sitter, San Gwann doubled the score through Andrea Zammit Tabone whose cross shot completely deceived goalkeeper Debono.