St.Andrews-Zurrieq 3-1

(Match abandoned in the 69th minute)

The first period proved to be a balanced affair with St.Andrews going close early on through a well taken free-kick by Michael Valenzia with Matthew Genuis responding for Zurrieq with a free-kick which was well saved by Tabone.

Zurrieq then missed a clear opportunity through Daniel Zammit and in the 39th minute a point blank shot by Godfrey Chetcuti was somehow blocked by Tabone.

The Saints’ keeper again did well in the 40th minute to deny Matthew Genuis but four minutes later Jeremy Gatt Coleiro finished off a good move by Chetcuti to give the Saints a 1-0 half-time lead.

Zurrieq’s reaction produced the equalising goal in the 54th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Tabone on Daniel Zammit. Godfrey Chetcuti converted from the spot.

This goal was shortlived by Zurrieq as the Saints regained the lead on 57 minutes through a low shot by Alex Busuttil with Zurrieq being denied by Tabone in the 64th minute off an attempt by Joe Lia.

On 67 minutes St. Andrews increased their lead with Michael Calleja’s cross from the left flank being headed in by Alex Busuttil. However two minutes later the match was abandoned after referee Chris Francalanza was punched by Zurrieq defender Joe Lia who had just been shown the red card.

Referee: Chris Francalanza.

* * *

Lija-San Gwann 0-1

After six minutes the Saints had a shot by Roberto Brincat which finished just high over the bar.

Then a Sergio Hili effort was blocked by Luke Bonnici with the Lija keeper again doing well in the 20th minute with a fine save off a shot by Clint Gatt.

The Saints opened the score in the 28th minute with Ryan Zammit crossing from the right flank and Antoine Zahra scored from close-range.

The second period belonged to Lija who attacked for long stretches. The Saints’ keeper Justin Spiteri brought off difficult saves to deny Allen Medati and Andre Scicluna with San Gwann wasting a very easy opportunity through Sergio Hili.

At the other end Allen Medati was close for the Athletic with the Saints responding through close efforts by Adrian Gatt and Roberto Brincat. Seven minutes from time a Lija defender headed the ball off the goal off an attempt by Saints’ player Keith Fabri..

Referee: Sammy Attard.

* * *

Melita-Mgarr U 5-0

Melita were a superior team during the first 45 minutes with Bjorn Bondin and Gregory Degabriele going very close early on.

However they managed to open the score after ten minutes through Julian Galea and added a second goal in the 15th minute with Mark Hyzler crossing from the right flank and Kane Micallef shot in past Ellul.

Then Julian Galea went close on two occasions but in the 21st minute Malcolm Mamo managed to beat Ellul with a long-range shot which hit the upright before ending up at the back of the net. Mgarr responded on two occasions as the Melita custodian brought off difficult saves to deny Chris Abela and Jonathan Ebejer but it was Melita who managed to score yet another goal through Gregory Degabriele.

In the 65th minute the Amateurs lost Kane Micallef who was booked for a second time and was sent off.

Despite this handicap Melita managed to increase their lead in the 75th minute through Luke Micallef.

Referee: Joe Attard.

* * *

Balzan-St.Venera 5-0

Balzan remained on top after this easy win.

They opened the score in the 14th minute as a shot by Aaron Agius was deflected and the ball was picked up by Alistair Camilleri who shot in from close-range.

Balzan made it 2-0 six minutes later through Kurt Coleiro and later on an attempt by Aaron Agius was saved by Attard.

St.Venera were awarded a penalty three minutes before the break but Falzon’s shot was saved by the Balzan custodian.

Balzan made it 3-0 in the 70th minute through a Kurt Coleiro personal effort with the ball hitting the post before ending up at the back of the net.

Five minutes later Aaron Agius scored a beautiful goal after rounding up St.Venera’s keeper Zammit.

St. Venera were then very close with an Ian Falzon header being cleared off the goal line but just before the end of the match Balzan scored a fifth goal with Kurt Coleiro getting his hat-trick.

Referee: Andrea Scriha.