Vittoriosa S-Mgarr U           3-2

Vittoriosa S: C. Cassar, C. Spiteri, I. Abela, I. Curmi, J. Ogonuppe (P. Papadakis  115'), J. Briffa, A. Galea, N. Ujuola, D. Tabone, L. Gauci (M. Scicluna 82'), L. Casha (A. Cilia Mumford 56').

Mġarr U: T. Gauci, J. Davies, R. Marmara (J.P. Zammit 76'), A. Sammut, L. Doric, L. Micallef, M. Agius, L. Zammit (R. Vella 113'), C. Saliba (M. Abela 88'), J.P. Grima, J.L. Micallef.

Referee: Alex Johnson

Scorers: Jospeh Ogonuppe 19', 58', 103' pen (V), Jake Davies 54' (M), Aaron Sammut 57' (M)

Joseph Ogonuppe scored a hat-trick to help ten-man Vittoriosa beat Mgarr United 3-2 and keep their First Division status. It was a close shave for Vittoriosa who were stretched to the limit by a vivid Mgarr side that gave its all, but finaly had to surrender to their more experienced opponents.

For Vittoriosa it was the light at the end of a dark tunnel after a rather dismal second round in which the Stars practically never put a foot right and had to resort to this play-off to save their status.

Mgarr had a good run this season under the guidance of Patrick Curmi, but unfortunately they missed the bus twice, missing promotion against St.George's and Fgura in the final matches of the regular season, and yesterday they failed to win, even though they played their hearts out.

Yesterday's match was a real thriller with Vittoriosa taking a first half lead, and with Mgarr turning the tide in their favour in the second half. However Mgarr failed to hold on to their lead as Vittoriosa obtained a quick equaliser.

Vittoriosa were down to ten men by the 64th minute, and Mgarr tried to pounce on the favourable situation but Vittoriosa held their ground and the match went to extra time.

On 103 minutes Ogonuppe won a decisive penalty which he converted to secure his side's status. In the final minute Vittoriosa were awarded another penalty but Dario Tabone's effort from the penalty spot was saved by the Mgarr custodian.