Billy Mock’s team Zebbug Rangers had to settle for yet another draw with Lija gaining their fourth point of the season. The Athletics had a good start with Gordon Camenzuli going close after just nine minutes. Six minutes later Lija broke the deadlock with the Rangers’ defence stopping for an inexistent offside and Aaron Pendry beat Philip Attard with cute lob. The Rangers’ reaction was immediate and they managed to get a deserved equaliser in the 18th minute through George Saliba. Lija were close in the 35th minute with Glen Barry crossing for Beppe Antignolo who headed onto the crossbar. Just before the interval Zebbug protested for a penalty when George Saliba appeared to have been fouled by a Lija defender. After the restart Zebbug were undoubtedly the better team and they were unlucky on two occasions as efforts by Eric Sciberras and Keith Farrugia were saved by Luke Bonnici with the assistance of the crossbar. Zebbug created other goal scoring opportunities through George Saliba and Josef Felice but Lija managed to hold on till the referee’s final whistle.

Referee: Duncan Sultana.

Mellieha - Balzan Y. 0-2

This was Mellieha’s second consecutive defeat as they were beaten by an improved Balzan team in a keenly contested match. Balzan Youths dictated the run of play throughout the first 45 minutes with Antoine Sacco hitting just wide following a Jerryton Agius corner-kick. Then Mellieha’s keeper Vella brought off a fine save to deny Malcolm Tirchett but David Agius did better in the 11th minute when he beat the Mellieha keeper from a difficult position. In the 22nd minute a Simon Mizzi long-range shot hit the Mellieha post and seven minutes later Balzan could have increased their lead but Tirchett hit over the bar with Vella beaten. Mellieha gained an indirect free-kick with Borg St.John beating Bonello. The goal was naturally disallowed and three minutes before the break a William Borg volley was blocked by a Balzan defender.

Seven minutes after the restart Balzan’s keeper Bonello did well to block a low shot by Rueben Vella and following further pressure Mellieha could have equalised but Borg St.John all alone in front of goal hit just wide of the far post. They paid heavily for this wasted opportunity as Balzan increased their lead on 79 minutes with Tirchett squaring the ball for Leonid McKay who beat Vella from close-range. Three minutes from time Mellieha were again close through Borg St.John.

Referee:Paul Apap.