Zurrieq-Zejtun C. 3-1

This was a deserved win for Zurrieq who dictated the run of play during the first-half, taking the lead on 31 minutes through Daniel Zammit. Zurrieq added a second, again through Zammit on 67 minutes in a swift counter-attack. In the 80th minute Zammit notched his hat-trick with Zejtun pulling back a consolation goal four minutes from time through Andy Portelli.

Referee: Mitchell Scerri.

Sirens-Sta. Lucia 1-0

The first period was a balanced affair with both sides creating various goal scoring opportunities. Sirens were close early on through Adrian Galea and Rueben Bonett with the Saints’ reply producing a Melvin Agius volley which was well saved by Buttigieg.

Sirens dominated after the change of ends with Saints’ keeper Piscopo bringing off fine saves to deny Bonett and Sciberras.

Sirens were also unlucky to hit the woodwork on two occasions through Barbara and Chetcuti before scoring the all-important goal in the 78th minute through their captain Christian Galea.

Referee: Andrea Scriha.

Qrendi-Fgura 0-1

Qrendi were the better team during the first-half and after going close early on through Kevin Naudi, they had a golden opportunity in the 14th minute when they were awarded a penalty. But Karl Vella Petroni’s shot from the spot was well saved by Fgura’s keeper Renald Attard.

Two minutes after the restart Fgura obtained the decisive goal when Matthew Spiteri headed in from a cross by Ivan Cassar.

Qrendi’s reply produced shots by Kevin Naudi and Karl Vella Petroni which bounced off the crossbar.

Referee: Sammy Attard.

Mgarr-Kirkop 1-1

A fair result in a match which was dominated by both sets of defences. After just two minutes Kirkop were in front through William Debattista after an attempt by Charlo Debattista had bounced off the crossbar. Mgarr were denied by Kirkop’s keeper Stephen Mizzi off efforts by Chris Abela and Luke Muscat with Kirkop being unlucky as a Charlo Debattista header hit the post. Five minutes before the break Mgarr were back on level terms through a Chris Abela volley.

In the final stages Mgarr assumed the initiative but Kirkop could have won the match in the 90th minute when Daniel Scicluna headed just wide from a cross by Aldo Azzopardi.

Referee: Mohammed Khalil.

Xghajra-Gzira 0-1

The Maroons obtained their second win from as many matches and are now sole leaders but they had to fight extremely hard to earn the three points against a well-organised Xghajra.

After a boring first half Xghajra hit the post through Lizio Grech early in the second, but it was Gzira who scored the decisive goal on 61 minutes through Keith Bonello following a cross by Kevin Agius.

Three minutes later Xghajra ended playing with ten players as Lizio Grech was sent off following an incident with an opponent.

Referee: Mario Apap.

Ta’ Xbiex-Luqa St.Andrews 0-2

Ta’ Xbiex deserved something better from this match since they created the better chances throughout the 90 minutes. During the first period they were twice denied by Psaila off efforts by Liam Vidal and Charles Vassallo, the latter also hitting the crossbar early on in the second period.

Luqa broke the deadlock in the 80th minute through Randolph Penza following a Chris Penza through-pass and they managed to seal the issue in the 86th minute through substitute Christian Mifsud. A minute from time an incident in mid pitch led to Luqa’s substitute Keith Portelli being sent off.

Referee: Alexei Tabone.

NOTE: Division II match reports will be carried in tomorrow’s issue.