Anthony Eviparker was in splendid form yesterday afternoon scoring a hat trick in the second half to send St Patrick reeling to their fourth consecutive defeat.

With the three goals scored yesterday, Eviparker is now the league's top scorer with nine goals.

Vittoriosa were the better team throughout against a demotivated St Patrick side. The Saints remain at the bottom of the table and their chances of saving their status remain slim, all depending on their direct clashes against Mellieha and Marsa.

On the other hand Vittoriosa are now practically safe from all trouble as they are in a comfortable mid-table position. Apart from Eviparker's five-star performance, Leighton Grech and Keith Darmanin were in splendid form and the Saints defence could do nothing to cope with the Stars' attacking power.

Vittoriosa started the match on a high note with Eviparker denied by a splendid Franklin Azzopardi save. On 11 minutes Vittoriosa went close again when Adami crossed to the unmarked Eviparker whose header was brilliantly saved by Azzopardi.

Vittoriosa continued to pile up the pressure and a Stephen Calleja freekick sailed over the bar. On 22 minutes Eviparker headed towards Keith Darmanin whose weak shot was easily blocked by Azzopardi.

The Saints first chance came on 26 minutes when Fleri Soler's shot hit a defender, but Vittoriosa were again dangerous with an Eviparker lob going inches high. On 32 minutes Leighton Grech did some good work on the right flank and crossed towards Darmanin who headed wide.

Just before the break Thomas Caruana missed a great chance for the Saints when he first-timed weakly in Cassar's hands following a good run on the right by Simon Zerafa.

Ten minutes after the re-start Vittoriosa took the lead when Eviparker headed in a Keith Darmanin corner. Two minutes later Leighton Grech created havoc in the Zabbar defence and crossed towards Eviparker who was anticipated by Arnold Buttigieg who nearly scored an own goal to clear the danger.

On 62 minutes Vittoriosa doubled the score when Eviparker beat the offside trap, dribbled past goalkeeper Azzopardi before planting the ball at the back of the net. However eight minutes later St Patrick were back in the match when Fleri Soler passed to the unmarked Thomas Caruana who first timed beautifully at the back of the net.

But five minutes later Eviparker re-established Vittoriosa's two-goal lead when he scored his hat trick. Eviparker had an impressive run from mid-pitch, beat the St Patrick goalkeeper, rounded a defender before smashing the ball home for a great goal.