Lija Athletic powered their way to the first victory of the season beating St. Andrews thanks to three first half goals. After a good start from the Saints, Lija dominated the first half scoring three goals in the process to end up worthy winners.

St Andrews started the match on the offensive and Lija found the going hard in the opening 10 minutes of the match. However, slowly but surely, Lija started to get more in the match and the first warning came on 14 minutes when Sacco’s header was saved by Balzan.

Four minutes later Lija took the lead when Erjon Beu’s cross was well met by Gilbert Camilleri who headed past goalkeeper Balzan. Minutes later the same Gilbert Camilleri tested Balzan who saved well.

Half way through the first half Beu could have done better than shooting straight in Balzan’s waiting hands.

The Saints had their best chance minutes later when following a melee in front of the Lija goalkeeper, Kurt Coleiro shot at goal but his effort was somehow blocked by a defender.

On 35 minutes Lija doubled the score when Erjon Beu fired home from the edge of the area for a well taken goal.

Seconds from the half time whistle, Lija scored a third to put the issue beyond doubt. Keith Darmanin’s freekick was missed by friend and foe with the ball ending at the back of the net.

The Saints attacked throughout the whole second period and pulled one back on 55 minutes through Nicky Vella Petroni.

Lija finished the match with ten players when Jean Paul Scerri was sent off four minutes from time.

St. Andrews: D. Balzan; N. Chetcuti, K. Galea (W. Camilleri), T. Lindberg, B. Said, A. Nakuaa, M. Ellul, M. Calleja (A. Amato), V. Aldinho Goncalves, N. Vella Petroni, K. Coleiro (M. Grima)

Lija A: J. Caruana; R. Conceicao, D. Scerri, E. Beu, G. Camilleri (C. Giordmaina) K. Darmanin, B.Camilleri (T. Fleri Soler), J. P. Scerri, B. Fenech, A. Scicluna, A.Sacco (A.A. Ige)

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi