Zebbug Rangers-Qrendi 1-0 This first match in the Play-Offs seemed heading towards a fair goalless draw but Zebbug managed to score the all-important goal a minute into added time through Keith Farrugia.

Qrendi had a good first-half and early on they were denied on two occasions by the Rangers’ goalkeeper Philip Attard off attempts by Jesmond Azzopardi and Tano Farrugia.

Zebbug replied through dangerous efforts by Mark Ciantar and Albert Ciantar and in the 32nd minute a Keith Farrugia corner-kick was headed onto the crossbar by Mark Ciantar.

Then Eric Sciberras hit just wide from a good position with Qrendi replying through Tano Farrugia whose shot was saved by Philip Attard. On the stroke of half-time Zebbug were again close through Gordon Mallia’s free-kick which went inches wide of the post. The Rangers dictated the run of play through the second period but it was Qrendi who could have taken the lead in the 56th minute through a Tano Farrugia free-kick which was blocked on the goal line.

Zebbug were unlucky in the 75th minute as an attempt by Neil Francalanza bounced off the crossbar and from the rebound Mark Ciantar hit wide in front of an open goal. The same Zebbug striker wasted another easy opportunity in the 73rd minute and on another occasion a shot by Errol Cachia was saved by Piscopo with difficulty.

In the 91st minute Keith Farrugia hit in from close-range to give Zebbug a very important lead and just before the final whistle an Eric Sciberras penalty was saved by the Qrendi custodian.

Referee:- Adrian Casha

Zurrieq vs Fgura United 2-0 Zurrieq played the better football throughout the ninety minutes as they ended worthy winners in a difficult match against Fgura United. Zurrieq are now joint leaders with Zebbug Rangers on six points with Fgura and Qrendi practically out of the reckoning.

The first-half was a balanced affair with both teams creating various goal scoring opportunities. Zurrieq went close after only seven minutes through Jason Saliba and then a shot by Matthew Genuis was saved with difficulty by Ranier Farrugia. Fgura wasted two clear opportunities through Clint Ellul and and Matthew Spiteri and on another occasion a strong shot by Neil Bonello was saved by Azzopardi.

On 44 minutes Zurrieq broke the deadlock through Daniel Zammit with a low angled shot. A minute into the second period substitute Clive Shomba made it 2-0 for Zurrieq following good work by Daniel Zammit with Fgura coming back in the 61st minute as Clint Ellul’s effort was saved by Julian Azzopardi. Although Fgura did their best to reduce the arrears it was Zurrieq who continued to create the better opportunities as they went close on various occasions.

Referee:- Mario Apap