The impressive form by Marsaxlokk continued with an assured, albeit hard fought victory, over nearest challengers Sliema Wanderers yesterday.

They showed in the process that they are full of running with the championship race getting properly under way.

After dominating the first half and piling a two-goal lead by halftime, Marsaxlokk had to soak much of Sliema's pressure, who raised their game in the second half, laid siege on Marsaxlokk and even managed to level matters. But in the dying minutes, Carlo Mamo's headed goal clinched victory for the leaders, to widen the gap at the top.

Both teams had gone into the match with an excellent vein of form. The leaders were without defeat in 15 matches. Sliema kicked off yesterday eight games unbeaten.

Of the two, it was Marsaxlokk who carved out the better chances in the first 45 minutes.

With the driving energy of Frendo and Sammut on the flanks, Sciberras and Pace pushing forward from midfield and the illusive movement of Doda and Bogdanovic in attack, Marsaxlokk always had the ascendancy.

They made only one change from their starting line-up against Hibernians as keeper Haber returned after suspension. That meant the two new signings Garci and Nwoko sat on the bench.

Sliema coach Ray Farrugia was forced to effect two changes following the win against Valletta since Chetcuti and Clifton Ciantar were suspended. Dilello made his comeback in defence as Giglio was given a start. But they were made to chase their opponents who

went close in the opening minutes with a Dimech headed effort on Frendo's sailing free-kick. Sammut's shot took a deflection, fell to Frendo inside the area with his shot blocked into a corner.

Sliema were putting plenty of effort, but precious little by way of imagination. They needed to unlock the Marsaxlokk rearguard. Yet, midway through the half they nearly broke the deadlock. Madzar almost capitalised on some defensive hesitation on the edge of the Marsaxlokk area, fired a shot which rebounded off the underside of the bar and back in play.

Marsaxlokk though made the breakthrough towards the half hour. Sammut's angled shot was parried by keeper Akanji who did not hold the ball and Haruna Doda shot in from close range.

Sliema sparked a reaction. Woods caught keeper Haber between two minds on an Nwoko long ball but the Sliema striker missed the target completely.

Marsaxlokk however soon took the bit between their teeth again and not sursprisingly doubled their lead on 33 minutes. Jamie Pace darted unchallenged inside the Sliema area to connect on Frendo's cross and beat Akanji with a low first-time shot.

The Wanderers were in disarray and looked at pains to keep their shape at the back, visibly frustrated with their opponents' slick passing which kept Marsaxlokk in full control until the break.

Sliema substituted Giglio with Brincat for the second half and within ten minutes they created the best opportunity when Woods played the ball forward towards Muscat, who steadied himself before shooting at goal. Keeper Haber turned the ball into a corner with an acrobatic save.

Sliema even managed to reduce the arrears past the hour. The industrious Ivan Woods got the better of Licari's challenge and avoided Dimech's late tackle as he slid the ball past the stranded Haber.

The goal sapped the wind from Marsaxlokk's sails as the Wanderers began to find pace and movement.

Notwithstanding, Sammut brought a notable save from Akanji, sprawling low to his left to keep out his shot.

But as the balance of power shifted dramatically in their favour, Sliema looked the more menacing, probing for an equaliser. Woods arrived fractionally late on substitute Galea's cross from the right. On 75 minutes Madzar's header on Galea's deep cross was tipped into a corner by Haber. Bajada's flag kick caused panic inside the Marsaxlokk area and Chuks Nwoko picked his spot to level matters.

Marsaxlokk effected a double substitution soon after, putting in Nwoko and Schembri to counter balance Sliema's flurry.

The match seemed heading for a draw when Marsaxlokk scored a late winner, skipper Carlo Mamo heading in Sammut's corner kick from the right with two minutes remaining.

For all their efforts in an enthralling second half, Sliema finished with nothing to show.

* * *

Marsaxlokk: J. Haber, C. Mamo, S. Wellman, G. Sciberras, L.Dimech, J. Pace, K. Sammut, C. Frendo (U. Nwoko), D. Bogdanovic, H. Doda (A. Schembri), M. Licari

Sliema W: M. Akanji, A. Muscat (M. Galea), M. Dilello, B. Said, R. Bajada, I. Woods, I. Ciantar, C. Nwoko, A. Madzar, S. Giglio (J. Brincat) (O. Anonam), S. Pace

Referee: C. Pisani Asst. refs: P. Agius, J. Camilleri 4th official: A. Zammit

Scorers: H. Doda, J. Pace, I. Woods, C. Nwoko, C. Mamo

Yellow cards: D. Bogdanovic, L. Dimech, I. Ciantar, C. Nwoko

Player of the match: Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. K.Sammut 2. I. Woods 3. G. Sciberras