Kalkara-Sirens 1-3

The Saint Paul’s Bay team were worthy winners in a match they dictated for long stretches as they inflicted the first defeat of the season on Kalkara. Sirens are now sole leaders with maximum points from four matches.

During the first period Kalkara’s goalkeeper Elvin Attard was the main protagonist with a string of fine saves.

Attard was in action after only four minutes when he saved off a Patrick Barbara effort and later on they wasted an easy opportunity through Mark Sciberras. T

hen Attard twice denied certain goals off attempts by Patrick Barbara and Adrian Galea with Kalkara replying through a low shot by Anton Cassar which was saved by Buttigieg.

Sirens finally managed to break the deadlock in injury-time through Ryan Theuma following a cross by Kristian Galea.

Kalkara gained the initiative in the early stages of the second half and on 58 minutes they were back on level terms through an own goal by Sirens’ defender Kenneth Zammit following a cross by Nicky Gatt.

They were then again close through Anton Cassar with Sirens having a Patrick Barbara goal in the 66th minute which was disallowed for an offside infringement.

On 76 minutes Kenneth Zammit made amends for his earlier mistake as he managed to score the winning goal for Sirens with an excellent shot which beat Attard all ends up. Kalkara failed to make a worthwhile reaction with Sirens twice going very close through Adrian Galea.

The same Sirens’ striker was then unlucky as his lob bounced off the crossbar but two minutes into injury-time Sirens sealed the issue with a third goal scored by Rueben Bonett following an indecision by the Kalkara defence.

Referee: Andrea Scriha

Mdina K.-Ta’ Xbiex 6-0

The Knights recovered from their defeat against Sirens as they easily shrugged off the challenge provided by Ta’ Xbiex in a match which Mdina dictated for long stretches.

Mdina played the better football throughout the first half and after just three minutes a shot by Matthew Francalanza was saved with difficulty by Duca.

Ta’ Xbiex then wasted a clear goal scoring opportunity through Brian Vella with Mdina’s reply producing a Dominic Borg attempt which went inches wide of the far post.

On 26 minutes Mdina missed a sitter through Dominic Borg following a good move by Francalanza and a minute later Ta’ Xbiex were unlucky with Liam Vidal’s corner-kick hitting the crossbar.

Mdina took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when a Matthew Paris shot was deflected by a Ta’ Xbiex defender and in nipped Matthew Francalanza who beat Duca from close-range.

After the change of ends Mdina completely outclassed their opponents and on the hour Dominic Borg beat Duca from close-range to make it 2-0. Ta’ Xbiex appeared to be completely demoralised with Matthew Francalanza and James Vella adding on two further goals in the 66th and 75th minutes to increase their lead to 4-0.

It was not over yet as late in the game the Knights added on two further goals through Joseph Debono and Gilbert Camilleri for a 6-0 final scoreline.

Referee: Mitchell Scerri

Zejtun C.-Qrendi 0-1

Mario Mifsud’s team Qrendi were made to fight hard for the three points at stake against a Zejtun side who were solid at the back. This was Zejtun’s third defeat from four matches.

Qrendi dictated the run of play throughout the first 45 minutes and early on they were close on two occasions through Karl Vella Petroni and Josef Mansueto.

Zejtun created a good opportunity through Dino Falzon with Qrendi managing to score through Vella Petroni who was, however, in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

After the change of ends, Qrendi sustained the pressure and in the 63rd minute an attempt by Winston Fenech was well saved by Mifsud. Then Tano Farrugia hit just wide from a good position but in the 86th minute the same player scored the decisive goal from a direct free-kick.

Referee: Trustan Farrugia Cann

St Lucia-Mgarr U. 0-1

Mgarr United kept within reach of leaders Sirens as they managed to beat Santa Lucia through a late goal by Matthew Gauci.

Mgarr created the better opportunities early on as they twice threatened through attempts by David Muscat.

Gradually the Saints shared the exchanges and replied through efforts by Duncan Bonello and Noel Saliba.

Just before the break St Lucia were denied from taking the lead when a drive by Duncan Bonello was blocked by Gauci. A minute into the second period Mgarr were close through Chris Abela.

Gradually they increased the pressure but were rather ineffective in front of goal but eight minutes from time they obtained the winning goal through Matthew Gauci.

The Saints’ late rally produced an effort by Shawn D’Amato which hit the upright.

Referee: Sandro Spiteri