Ten-man Naxxar staged a stunning comeback in the second half against leaders Mqabba, when they managed to score two goals in quick succession to obtain the equaliser.

But Mqabba managed to secure the valuable three points with two late goals to strengthen their position at the top of the First Division League.

In fact Mqabba seemed heading for an easy victory at the end of the first half when they built a two-goal cushion with the Lions reduced to ten players when Ismael Zammit was sent off. But the Lions’ comeback in the second half made this match one of the most interesting this season.

As was expected Mqabba kept the upper hand for long stretches of the match with Nicolo Baldacchino as their main striker with Gilbert Scerri and Martin Anastasi giving their good support. As usual John Paul Muscat was instrumental with his dribbling and good distribution, whilst Alex Ribic gave a very good account of himself even scoring his first goal with the Mqabba jersey.

On ten minutes Mqabba had their first chance when John Paul Muscat was put through by Edric Borg but his lob went over the bar. Five minutes later the same Muscat dribbled his way inside the area but his final shot went slightly wide.

Naxxar goalkeeper Mercieca denied Ribic with a fine save after a good Anastasi move on the left flank. Three minutes later Naxxar had their best chance of the first half when Anizoba passed to Debono who unleashed a fierce drive that was brilliantly saved by Calleja.

On 28 minutes Mqabba took the lead when Anastasi passed the ball to Alex Ribic who shot home from the edge of the area with the ball hitting the crossbar before bouncing at the back of the net. With Naxxar unable to offer a decent reaction Mqabba doubled the score ten minutes later when a Cocks cross was fumbled by goalkeeper Mercieca and John Paul Muscat was on hand to score the easiest of chances with an open goal at his mercy.

Just before the break Naxxar were reduced to ten players when Ismael Zammit was shown the second yellow card for another foul on Gilbert Scerri.

Although with a man less Naxxar started the second half like a house on fire with Muscat denied by a great Calleja save. Naxxar had another great opportunity minutes later with Anizoba creating havoc in the Mqabba defence but Fenech and Magri failed to score in front of goal.

On 59 minutes Mqabba went close to their third goal with a Baldacchino header cleared off the line by Matthew Spiteri Gonzi.

Naxxar piled up the pressure and Trevor Fenech tested Calleja. On 67 minutes the Lions were rewarded when from a Magri corner kick substitute Gilbert Camilleri headed in.

Two minutes later Naxxar were on level terms when Anizoba pounced on Calleja’s blunder to score in an empty net.

Mqabba pushed everything forward after this double shock and a Baldacchino header was well saved by Mercieca. However ten minutes from time Mqabba were back in the lead when Anastasi passed to John Paul Muscat who beat Mercieca with a grounder from just inside the area.

In injury time Mqabba sealed the issue with the fourth and final goal when John Paul Muscat did all the running before passing to Alex Ribic who easily obtained his brace with a low shot.