Senglea Athletic made a second half rally to turn the tide in their favour and beat Naxxar Lions 2-1 and move further up the table.

For Senglea this was a return to winning ways after a three-match spell, while for the Lions this was the second consecutive setback.

Naxxar deserved a draw for their efforts, even considering their unlucky own goal that resulted in Senglea’s winner.

Senglea were the better team in the opening 30 minutes even though they were never really dangerous. However they went close on two occasions through a Silvio Sciberras freekick that slightly missed the base of the upright on Agius’ left, and on 17 minutes the Naxxar goalkeeper saved his side when he managed to tip to a corner a dangerous header by striker Timothy Thomas following a good run by Darren Grech.

However Naxxar forged ahead on 32 minutes in their first real attack when Gilbert Camilleri’s header following a Trevor Fenech freekick, completely deceived goalkeeper Attard, with the ball hitting the upright before rolling into the net.

Senglea were jolted by this goal and Naxxar were now playing better. Fabian Debono missed a golden opportunity minutes later when he received a long ball from defence, but hesitated in front of goal and Attard saved his weak grounder.

Just before the half time whistle, Senglea had their best chance of obtaining the equaliser when Naxxar goalkeeper was rather hesitant and Thomas anticipated him but his header was saved on the goal line by Matthew Spiteri Gonzi.

Senglea made two substitutions at the start of the second half that immediately gave the desired effect as substitute Clint Caruana equalised on 54 minutes direct from a freekick that deceived goalkeeper Agius.

Naxxar had an immediate reaction and almost went back in front three minutes later when a Gilbert Camilleri shot was brilliantly saved by Attard and Catania’s shot from the rebound was blocked by a Senglea defender.

Play was mainly in midfield but on 70 minutes Senglea scored what proved to be the winner. It was rather unlucky own goal scored by Kevin Fenech who headed into his own net a Silvio Sciberras freekick.

Naxxar pressed forward in the remaining minutes in search of a deserved equaliser but went only close through a Magri shot that was well saved by Attard. Near the end Naxxar had their appeals for a penalty on substitute Anizoba turned down by the official.