Beppe Antignolo was the protagonist in Lija’s win over the Gozitans as he managed to strike twice in the later stages of the match which they dominated. Lija attacked for long stretches during the opening forty-five minutes but they lacked the finishing touch. On 13 minutes an Elton Azzopardi attempt was well saved by Xuereb and the same goalkeeper was again on hand to save off a Gordon Camenzuli free-kick.

Then Beppe Antignolo was close with a close-range shot which just missed the target and just before the change of ends Lija missed two goal scoring opportunities through Glen Barry and Michael Mangion. Lija increased the pressure throughout the second-half and they were unlucky early on as Gera hit the base of the upright with a low shot.

Antignolo and Gera then squandered the easiest of opportunities but they still managed to forge ahead on 73 minutes through a low shot by Beppe Antignolo from the edge of the penalty area. The Gozitans then suffered another blow as Mario Azzopardi was sent off for a second booking with Antignolo beating Xuereb once again in the 82nd minute to make it a final 2-0 scoreline.

Referee:- Glen Tonna

St Venera L 1 vs Gudja Utd 1

This was a very keen match between two teams who are playing some of the best football in the Second Division. St Venera were the best but they had to wait till late in the match to avoid defeat against Gudja United.

After just two minutes St.Venera’s keeper saved off a Jesmond Micallef crosshot. St Venera then gained the initiative with a Dylan Mercieca free-kick being saved by Xerxen and in the 19th minute Mark Grech crossed for Dino Bonnici who hit just high over the crossbar. St Venera could have taken the lead in the 28th minute but David Azzopardi miskicked in front of Xerxen with Gudja replying through a Donald Lia cross-shot which sailed over the crossbar. After the resumption it was again St Venera who dictated the run of play and in the 56th minute an Andrew Hili header was brilliantly saved by Xerxen.

The latter was again in action five minutes later to stop a shot by Dylan Mercieca with Gudja breaking the deadlock on 70 minutes as Louis Falzon’s free-kick was headed in by Chris Grech. Two minutes from time St Venera avoided defeat through Glen Micallef’s equaliser.

Referee:- Paul Apap