Zejtun C 0

Melita 1

A late goal scored by Luke Micallef gave Melita an important victory against Zejtun Corinthians, a victory that puts Martin Gregory’s side momentarily in second place.

This match grew in importance after Pieta’s first defeat on Friday, and both sides did their utmost to grab the three points at stake and keep the pace with Pieta and Rabat in the top places.

In the end Melita had the last laugh as they grabbed the points with a well taken goal that proved to be decisive.

Zejtun had their first attempt with a Ganchev freekick slightly missing the target, and on the other end Melita went close with a Carnago San Pedro effort that missed the crossbar by a whisker.

Libyan Elzaredi tried his luck from the edge of the area but his weak effort was easily blocked by Sapiano. Melita had a very good chance on 22 minutes when Kane Micallef was face to face with Farrugia, with the Zejtun custodian blocking his effort in style.

On the half hour Elzaredi made his way on the right flank before crossing towards Kenneth Abela whose close range shot was providentially blocked by defender George Gribbon.

Just before the break Zejtun had their last chance when Kenneth Abela’s header off a Ganchev cross from the left was easily saved by Melita goalkeeper Matthew Sapiano.

The second half was very interesting and played at a very fast pace with both sides trying their best to forge ahead. However both defences held out and scoring chances were scarce. On 58 minutes Melita goalkeeper Matthew Sapiano had to charge out of position to block Albanian striker Gers Delia.

Ten minutes later Kenneth Abela’s dipper slightly missed the target, and on 70 minutes Melita were unlucky when a Cornago San Pedro shot slammed against the crossbar with Ranier Farrugia completely beaten.

Six minutes later Zejtun had their best chance when Delia played the ball well towards Kenneth Abela who, all alone in front of goal, had his effort blocked by the Melita goalkeeper for an outstanding save.

Five minutes from time Melita broke the deadlock when Luke Micallef grabbed the ball on the edge of the area, rounded a Zejtun defender and fired at the back of the net.

Birzebbuga SP 2

Vittoriosa S 1

Matthew Sciortino crowned a five star performance scoring a brace, one in each half, one direct from a corner kick and the other from the penalty spot, to send Vittoriosa in deep trouble, as the Stars continued in their six match winless streak.

For Birzebbuga it was a return to winning form after their defeat at the hands of Naxxar Lions. Birzebbuga fully deserved their victory as they dominated for long stretches more than the score line indicates.

For Vittoriosa it was yet another disappointing performance, as they have now completely abandoned their promotion targets set at the start of the season.

Birzebbuga were the better team in the opening phase of the match even though there were no shots at goal until the 22nd minute when Birzebbuga created their first danger.

Schneider gave a long ball towards Dragan Milovic who entered the penalty area before testing Vella with a good shot, with the Vittoriosa custodian turning into a corner. From the resultant corner Matthew Sciortino stunned the same goalkeeper beating him direct from the corner flag.

Vittoriosa’s reaction was a feeble one with Roberto Brincat hitting well over the bar. However Birzebbuga failed to capitalise on their opponents’ poor display, and they paid dearly two minutes from time when Vittoriosa obtained the equaliser.

Justin Camilleri did the running on the left flank and passed towards Marcelo Pereira who let the ball to Roberto Brincat who fired low in the corner past Casha.

On the resumption Birzebbuga were very unlucky not to retake the lead on 51 minutes. A Schneider freekick was headed by Milovic, with Vella effecting a great save and from the rebound Onuta hit the upright with an open goal at his mercy.

Seven minutes later Birzebbuga took the lead. Substitute Ronnie Celeste was floored by Brandon Bonnici just inside the box and from the resultant penalty Matthew Sciortino sent Vella the wrong way.

Vittoriosa failed to stage a reaction this time and the inclusion of Isaac Henry failed to leave the desired effect. In fact Vittoriosa practically never tested Ivan Casha in the remaining minutes.

On the contrary Birzebbuga had some glaring scoring chances to put their minds at rest with Ronnie Celeste missing a sitter in front of goal. Dragan Milovic also had a good scoring opportunity but his shot sailed over the bar.