Striker Kenneth Abela scored a hat-trick to push side up in the table, as the team from Zabbar are still with an outside chance of gaining promotion.

All depends on next Saturday’s big match between Tarxien and Mqabba, where a Tarxien win will put St Patrick back in the hunt.

The match was played at a very slow pace with relegated San Gwann honouring their fixture never giving away an inch. St Patrcik forged ahead on 17 minutes when Kenneth Abela headed in from an acute angle.

San Gwann had an immediate reaction but Cuschieri’s drive was blocked on the goal line by defender Saliba. However San Gwann were on level terms on 37 minutes when Mauro Brincat passed to Stajic who beat the advancing goalkeeper Cassar.

On the resumption of play St Patrick were back in front when from a Simon Zerafa cross, Kenneth Abela nodded in his second goal.

On 56 minutes San Gwann went close again when a Mercieca shot slammed against the upright.

On the hour St Patrick built a two-goal lead when Clayton Micallef squared the ball towards Karl Micallef who scored with a precise grounder.

Seven minutes later San Gwann were back in the game when a harmless looking freekick by Mauro Brincat was fumbled by St Patrick goalkeeper Cassar for a gift goal.

However St Patrick had the edge over their opponents and after missing a couple of good chances to seal the issue, they managed to do so 11 minutes from time when Karl Micalef was floored by Miguel Francica and from the resultant penalty, Kenneth Abela notched his hat-trick to give his side another victory.