Claude Chetcuti’s team Zurrieq obtained their second consecutive win after beating Qrendi through Godfrey Chetcuti’s first-half strike. Zurrieq have edged closer towards promotion to the Second Division.

After eight minutes Zurrieq were close through Michael Abdilla and in another occasion two minutes later Clive Shomba’s pass was picked up by Daniel Zammit whose shot was saved with difficulty by Piscopo.

Zurrieq continued to press forward with Michael Abdilla having an attempt blocked on the goal line by Joe Mercieca and later on a shot by Abdilla was well saved by Piscopo.

Zurrieq then created two further opportunities through Jason Saliba and Clive Shomba but they finally managed to take the lead with Jason Saliba’s move leading to substitute Godfrey Chetcuti beating Piscopo from close-range.

Three minutes into the second period Qrendi went close through Josef Mansueto but gradually Zurrieq regained the upper-hand in the midfield sector and created goal scoring opportunities through Michael Abdilla and Daniel Zammit.

On another occasion a low shot by Matthew Genuis was saved by Piscopo with difficulty. Then Godfrey Chetcuti hit just wide on two occasions with Qrendi responding late in the match through Jesmond Azzopardi whose conclusion was saved by Julian Azzopardi.

Referee: Trustan Farrugia Cann

Fgura-Zebbug R 1-0

This defeat is a severe setback for Zebbug’s hopes of retaining their Second Division status as Zurrieq are now firm favourites of winning the Play-Offs.

Zurrieq are now on top, three points ahead of Zebbug. Clint Ellul gave Fgura the lead after just two minutes with Zebbug responding through Mark Ciantar whose effort was somehow blocked by a Fgura defender.

Gradually Zebbug increased the pressure and on 25 minutes they were denied by the Fgura custodian off an attempt by Ramon Bonello.

Then Gordon Mallia hit just wide from close-range but on the stroke of half-time an indecision by a Rangers’ defender almost led to Fgura’s second goal with Chris Bordieri’s point-blank shot being saved by Philip Attard.

In the 61st minute Zebbug created a goal scoring opportunity with Joe Mallia hitting a low shot which was well saved by Farrugia.

The Fgura goalkeeper was again the protagonist on two occasions with fine saves to deny Neil Francalanza and Gordon Mallia but Zebbug were close to suffering a second goal in the closing moments as shots by Clint Ellul and Eric Lia were somehow saved by the Zebbug keeper Philip Attard.

Referee: Duncan Sultana