Dingli S-Melita 1-0

Dingli Swallows are now sole leaders after defeating the Amateurs through a second-half strike by Chris Ciappara.

Melita had a good match but they were held by a strong Dingli defence. Early on Dingli Swallows created the better opportunities as they went close through a Roderick Spiteri crosshot which was saved by Sapiano and a dangerous attempt by Darren Roe which caused havoc in the Melita defence.

Late in the first-half Melita gained ar free-kick which was taken by Matthew Borg I with the ball just missing the target.

After the change of ends Melita dictated the run of play and after just two minutes a low shot by Julian Galea was saved by Farrugia. In the 54th minute Dingli scored the decisive goal through Chris Ciappara who beat Sapiano with a low shot. A minute later Melita could have equalised but Degabriele’s shot was blocked by a Dingli defender.

Referee: Paul Apap

St. Venera-Zebbug 0-1

Zebbug Rangers recovered from their heavy defeat against the Gozitans as they beat St.Venera through a late goal by substitute Mark Ciantar. In the 22nd minute St.Venera’s custodian Rapinett brought off a fine save to deny Errol Cachia. St.Venera created the best opportunity of the first half with Glen Micallef’s free-kick finding Ian Falzon heading onto the post.

In the 59th minute the Lightnings were very close to taking the lead through Ian Falzon following a good move between Clayton Garzia and Mark Grech.

Zebbug took the lead in the 82nd minute through substitute Mark Ciantar with the Lightnings’ reaction producing a shot by Dino Bonnici which just missed the target.

Referee: Darren Calleja

B’Bugia SP-Lija Ath 0-1

Lija kept in touch with leaders Dingli Swallows after they managed to obtain a difficult but deserved win over B’Bugia St.Peter’s.

Lija held the initiative with Antignolo hitting just over the bar with a strong shot and just before the break they wasted an easy opportunity through Gera.

Eight minutes after the restart Lija were close through a Camenzuli free-kick and later on a Gera free-kick was saved by Fardell.

On 76 minutes Lija gained a corner-kick which was taken by Antignolo and Michael Mangion beat Fardell with a strong header. Lija then went close through efforts by Elton Azzopardi with B’Bugia creating their best opportunity in the 86th minute as Jason Cassar’s attempt was blocked by Daniel Scerri on the goal line.

Referee: Mario Apap

Balzan - Gudja U. 3-0

Balzan Youths returned to winning form after defeating Gudja in a match which they dominated for long stretches. This was Gudja’s second consecutive defeat.

Balzan broke the deadlock through Alistair Camilleri after only nine minutes with Antoine Sacco making it 2-0 in the 17th minute. A minute later Sacco was denied through an excellent save by Xerxen and on another occasion Malcolm Tirchett headed just wide following a cross by Monreal.

Gradually Gudja made a reaction and were twice close through Jesmond Micallef and Louis Falzon.

Balzan continued to dictate the run of play after the resumption and after going close through Sacco, they added a third goal through Malcolm Tirchett in the 60th minute.

Referee: Sammy Attard

Top scorers

4 goals – M. Borg (Melita), M. Tirchett (Balzan) and G. Saliba (Zebbug)