SANTA LUCIA   0
SIRENS             2

Santa Lucia: T. Aquilina, G. Bohrer Mentz, K. Correia, J. Mendoza (N. Micallef 34'), M. Maia, K. Ante Rosero (J. Walker 65'), D. Agius (A. Magri Overend 65'), F. Zuniga, J. Zerafa, P. Santos De Azevedo, L. Grech

Sirens D. Cassar, R. Grech, W. De Oliveira (L. Grech 90'), R. Dos Anjos, E. Okoye, R. S. Faria (L. Memezes 89'), E. Herrera, A. Borg, I. Abdullahi, F. Cheveresan, T. Espindola

Yellow cards: E. Okoye 10' (Si), M. Maia 25' (Sa), R. Grech 34' (Si), E. Herrera 37' (Si), A. Borg 90' (Si)

Scorers: F. S. Cheveresan 5' (Si), I. Abdullahi 23' (Si)

Referee: Ishmael Barbara

Ass. Referees: Roberto Vella, Darko Stankovic

Fourth official: Daniel Portelli

BOV Player of the match: Flavio Silva Cheveresan (Sirens)

TMI Best Three: 1. F. Cheveresan, 2. I. Adeshina, 3. G. Bohrer

Sirens came back with a bang after their surprise defeat against the Spartans last Monday, and with two goals in the first quarter of the matcvh grabbed the three points at stake to return to winning ways.

The surprise defeat of Floriana at the hands of the other promoted side Gudja, puts Sirens back in the reckoning as Steve D'Amato's side is now just one point behind joint leaders Valletta and Floriana, even though the champions still have to face Birkirkara this afternoon.

On the other hand for Santa Lucia this was a very dangerous slip in their fight to avoid a quick return to the First Division, and Gudja's and Sliema's victories yesterday made matters worse.

Sirens were by far the better team yesterday with Cheveresan and Ige Adeshina playing a blinder for the winners. After building the two-goal cushion in the first quarter of the match, Sirens were never in danger to let slip their hold on the three points at stake, as Santa Lucia's late reaction failed to worry Sirens.

Sirens had a great start and were in front after only five minutes play when Santa Lucia's defensive clearance left much to be desired and the ball was picked by Cheveresan who drilled home past a helpless Aquilina.

Sirens continued to attack and the same Cheveresan went close again on 13 minutes when well served by Espindola. Ten minutes later Sirens doubled the score with a well executed move between Faria and Okoye with the ball finishing in the path of Ige Adeshina who easily slotted home from close range.

Santa Lucia's first glimpse of goal came late in the first half with a Zuniga header just missing the target. In stoppage time Sirens almost made it three when a Cheveresan header beat Aquilina but Jamie Zerafa was on hand to head away the danger from the goal line.

On the resumption Santa Lucia were more determined but Sirens were always in control. On 48 minutes Cassar made his best save off a Leighton Grech freekick.

Five minutes from time Cheveresan missed a sitter in front of goal and in the remaining minutes Santa Lucia did their best to get at least a consolation goal, but Cassar blocked Walker's effort and a Maia freekick just missed the target.