Kalkara maintained their one hundred per cent record as they managed to turn defeat into victory through two goals scored by Noel Bugeja, undoubtedly the main protagonist of a keenly contested match. After creating some chances Zurrieq broke the deadlock two minutes before the break through Michael Abdilla from a cross by Zammit.
Four minutes into the second period Kalkara were unlucky when Debono’s shot hit the upright but they managed to equalise through substitute Bugeja in the 65th minute. Ten minutes later Kalkara scored the winning goal with Bugeja once again beating Azzopardi from close-range. Six minutes from time Ivan Buttigieg was sent off from Kalkara’ substitute bench.
Referee: Franco Cachia.
Sirens-Mdina Knights 1-0
Sirens played the better football and deserved their win against Mdina, the latter suffering their first defeat of the season. The St.Paul’s Bay team dictated the run of play during the first 45 minutes. Sirens pressed forward and on 19 minutes a Bonett free-kick was headed onto the crossbar by Galea. Then the Mdina custodian brought off a fine save to deny Galea and later Bonnici shot wide with an open goal. In a counter-attack Francalanza went close for the Knights. Six minutes after the restart Mdina hit the crossbar through a Buhagiar free-kick but it was Sirens who took the lead in the 59th minute with Rueben Bonett heading in from a Magri corner-kick. This result assures Sirens of the top joint in the league standings.
Referee:Sandro Spiteri.
Ta’ Xbiex-Zejtun Corinthians 0-3
Zejtun gained their first win of the season in a match which they dictated for long stretches as Ta’ Xbiex had to play with ten players for more than 60 minutes when Sean Cassar was sent off for elbowing an opponent. The second half was simply one-way traffic as the Corinthians dominated their opponents. In the 63rd minute Zejtun broke the deadlock through Dino Portelli who took advantage from an indecision by the Ta’Xbiex defence. Barely three minutes later Brian Grech increased Zejtun’s lead. In the 76th minute Zejtun added a third goal through an excellent volley by Jean Paul Abela for a convincing win.
Referee:Thomas Debono.
Qrendi-Santa Lucia 1-0
A Tano Farrugia first-half penalty was enough for Mario Mifsud’s team Qrendi to obtain three very important points in a difficult match. Play resulted in the midfield sector but in the 20th minute Qrendi’s striker Naudi was fouled by Cutajar with the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Farrugia duly converted to put Qrendi 1-0 in front. Santa Lucia reacted but it was Qrendi who could have increased their lead. In the second half a Galea corner-kick was cleared off the line by a Saints’ defender. In the final stages the Saints increased the pressure but they were well controlled by a solid Qrendi defence inspired by their goalkeeper Keith Camilleri. In the 90th minute Saints defender Micallef was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Referee: Alexei Tabone.
Mgarr U. – Luqa St Andrews 0-0
Luqa St Andrews recovered from their defeat against Qrendi when they managed to obtain an important point from a very difficult match against unbeaten Mgarr United.The latter twice hit the woodwork three times but could not penetrate the Saints’ defence.
Referee:Darren Calleja.
Xghajra T.- Fgura U. 1-2
Clint Ellul was the protagonist in Fgura’s important victory over Xghajra Tornadoes as he notched the two important goals. His headed goal broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Xghajra equalised in the 24th minute through Daniel Axisa. Fgura regained the initiative and they managed to score the winner on 33 minutes with Spiteri crossing for Clint Ellul to hit home for his second goal.
Referee:Mario Apap