Rabat-Balzan 2-1

Joe Gerada’s team, Rabat Ajax, could now be considered as serious promotion contenders after beating Balzan Youths in a match they dictated for long stretches.

Balzan’s promotion hopes have suffered a severe setback.

The Youths were twice denied early on by Azzopardi off efforts by Simon Mizzi and Beppe Pace but they managed to take the lead in the 27th minute as Leonid McKay’s free-kick was headed in by Antoine Sacco.

Rabat responded through a Keith Micallef shot which was saved by Bonello but they made it one-all on 34 minutes through Kayne Said. In the 43rd minute a good move between Joe Caruana and Jonathan Bezzina allowed Rabat to take a 2-1 lead through Adam Smeir.

The second period resulted mainly in the midfield sector but Rabat could have increased their lead as they went very close on two occasions through Adam Smeir and Kayne Said.

Gradually Balzan tried to react but it was again Rabat who could have scored in injury-time through Paolo Ciantar and Adam Smeir.

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi.

Gudja-St.Venera 2-5

This was a thrilling match as St.Venera gained their second successive win after beating Gudja United through three late goals scored by Dino Bonnici, Andrew Hili and Mark Grech.

Following this defeat, Gudja are now in deep relegation trouble.

The first period was a balanced affair with Gudja going close early on through Carlos Scicluna who headed just high over the bar from a cross by Mark Galea.

At the other end Xerxen stopped a shot by St.Venera’s striker Mark Grech and later on Gudja hit the upright through Elvin Gauci. On 26 minutes Mark Grech was through but Xerxen dived at his feet to foil the Lightnings’ striker but six minutes later St.Venera broke the deadlock through a penalty converted by Clayton Garzia.

The second half provided no less than six goals. Elvin Gauci equalised for Gudja on 49 minutes with St.Venera regaining the lead in the 55th minute through defender Luke Stivala.

Gudja came back to make it 2-2 four minutes later through a penalty converted by Elvin Gauci but they had to play with ten players from the 81st minute onwards when Brian Testaferrata was shown the red card for an ugly foul on Said.

St.Venera took advantage and they took the lead once again through substitute Dino Bonnici in the 84th minute.

In added time St.Venera made sure of the three points when they increased their lead through two further goals scored by Andrew Hili and Mark Grech for a final

5-2 scoreline.

Referee: Darren Calleja.

Melita-B’Bugia SP 0-0

This result has put both teams in a mid-table position although they are still not safe from the relegation zone.

Melita did much of the attacking throughout the first 45 minutes but they lacked incisiveness upfront. They were close early on through Matthew Borg I and Mark Hyzler with B’Bugia gaining a corner-kick in the 27th minute which was taken by Jason Cassar and Julian Galea was on hand to head the ball off the goal line.

Melita gradually increased the pressure with Fardell doing well on two occasions to deny Julian Galea.

In the 45th minute Julian Galea was unlucky as his volley was turned onto the post by Fardell and early on in the second half the Melita goalkeeper, Michael Carter, was shown the red card for a foul on James Galea when the latter was in a clear goal scoring position.

Karl Zahra came in to defend the Melita goalpost. B’Bugia gained the initiative and created dangerous opportunities through Jason Cassar and Vince Camilleri. In a counter-attack Melita went close through Mark Hyzler.

Referee: Mario Apap

Mellieha-St.Andrews 0-0

Another goalless draw in a match which Mellieha dictated for long stretches but St. Andrew’s were well worth the point they achieved in their efforts to maintain their Second Division status next season.

The Saints were the better team during the first half and after only eight minutes an Anthony Galea effort was blocked by a Mellieha defender.

In the 13th minute they were again very close through John Zammit and then Michael Calleja hit just over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. Two minutes before the break Mellieha created a swift counter-attack through Wayne Borg St.John who was fouled and from the resultant free-kick, the Saints’ defensive barrier somehow blocked Tarik’s free-kick.

The second part of the match was dictated by Mellieha who were denied by the Saints keeper on two occasions off attempts by Wayne Borg St. John and Matthew Borg.

On 78 minutes Saints’ defender Neil Gatt Coleiro was sent off for a second caution and six minutes from time Tabone again did well to stop a dangerous shot by Borg St. John.

Referee: Clayton Pisani