Dingli Swallows -Mellieha 0-1

Leaders Dingli Swallows suffered their first defeat of the season when they were beaten by a determined Mellieha through a second-half strike by their schemer Rueben Vella. Dingli dictated the proceedings throughout the first period and after only seven minutes a Jeremy Agius shot just missed the target. Then Mellieha’s goalkeeper brought off two fine saves to deny Etienne Farrugia and Victor Fiteni and five minutes before the break Jeffrey Zammit hit just wide from the edge of the penalty area. In the 48th minute Dingli’s striker Jeremy Agius missed an incredible opportunity as he shot wide when all alone in front of goal. Two minutes later Dingli were again close, this time through Jeffrey Zammit whose corner-kick was cleared off the line by Wayne Buttigieg. On 55 minutes Mellieha broke the deadlock through Rueben Vella who beat Mark Abela with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area. Dingli’s reaction was rather weak although they went close through a Jonathan Sapiano free-kick which just missed the target.

Referee: Mario Apap.

Zebbug R.– St Andrews 2-1

St Andrews suffered their fourth successive defeat as they were this time beaten by Billy Mock’s team Zebbug Rangers who on their turn sealed their first victory. The Saints went close early on through Jonathan Sant whose lob was headed off the goal line by Rangers’ defender Xuereb. Zebbug then went close on two occasions through Gordon Mallia and Eric Sciberras with the Saints replying through Sant whose point-blank shot was well saved by Philip Attard.

The Saints created another opportunity through Ian Borg but in a swift Zebbug counter-attack in the 38th minute Eric Sciberras crossed low from the left flank and Gordon Mallia beat Tabone from close-range. Seven minutes later George Saliba converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0, a penalty given for a hands’ ball by a Saints’ defender and contested by the St Andrews’ players. During the second-half St Andrews pressed forward but were rather inconclusive in their finishing. Zebbug created the better opportunities as they twice went close through Saliba but in added time the Saints reduced the arrears through substitute Patrick Briscoe White.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.