Lija were close early on through Andre Scicluna but they managed to take the lead in the 9th minute when a move between Lydon Cilia and Glenn Barry ended with CHRISTOPHER PACE shooting in past Steve Sultana.

In the 12th minute SEAN MUSCAT made it one-all for the Gozitans from a cross by Jeffrey Meilaq but five minutes later Lija were again infront through GLENN BARRY.

Lija were then close through Martin Borg and Lydon Cilia with the Gozitans coming back through Mario Portelli whose free-kick was saved by Luke Bonnici.

Lija then lost a goal scoring opportunity through Glenn Barry and then the same player was denied by Sultana.

On another occasion a cross by Beppe Antignolo was taken up by Chris Pace who finished just wide off the far post.

Lija continued to play the better football after the change of ends but after just four minutes the Gozitans could have drawn level but Anthony Portelli shot straight into Bonnici when all alone infront of goal.

In the 53rd minute GLENN BARRY converted a penalty given for a foul on Chris Pace and a few minutes later Barry concluded just wide from a pass by Beppe Antignolo. At the other end Sean Meilaq went close for the Gozitans but in the 80th minute GLENN BARRY finished off a personal effort to make it 4-1.

In the 87th minute Lija increased further their lead through an own-goal by Jeffrey Meilaq with the Gozitans pulling back another consolation goal in the 90th minute through a JOSEF BUTTIGIEG shot which was deflected by Lija’s central defender Colin Ciantar.

Referee: Mitchell Scerri.

Marsa relegated

Marsa-Bizebbuga SP 0-1

Birzebbuga dictated the proceedings during the first period with Marsa, however, creating the first goal scoring opportunity through Kevin Scerri.

The Saints were very close to taking the lead through Clive Formosa and Ronnie Celeste but their shots were well saved by Demis Grima.

In the 32nd minute Celeste was again denied by the Marsa keeper and three minutes later Noel Tabone wasted a clear goal scoring opportunity. Marsa replied through Adam Spiteri whose strong shot finished just wide and a minute before the change of ends Grima once again came to Marsa’s rescue when he brought a fine save to stop a strong shot by Celeste.

Five minutes after the restart Marsa could have taken the lead but Alan Delceppo’s shot was saved by Paul Celeste.

The Saints missed two clear opportunities through Noel Tabone and Clive Formosa and on another occasion the Marsa keeper brought off an excellent save off a point-blank attempt by Ronnie Celeste.

However Grima was finally beaten in the 65th minute by JOHN PAUL BARBARA for the Saints’ deserved lead and six minutes later they squandered yet another clear chance through Eric Saliba.

Marsa’s late reaction produced two attempts by Kevin Scerri and Adam Spiteri which were saved by the Birzebbuga goalkeeper.

This defeat means that Marsa have lost their Second Division status and will play Third Division soccer next season.

Referee: Duncan Sultana