Kei Sano scored a brace to give Sirens three valuable points as they are now practically clear of relegation trouble.

On the other hand this was another blow to Santa Lucia who lost a golden opportunity to join Zebbug on the 14 point mark.

It was an entertaining match between two sides who gave their all in search of victory.

After seven minutes Sirens had their first attempt with an Ivan Kolev just missing the target. Four minutes later Santa Lucia broke the deadlock when from a Terzi corner, Cassar’s clearance left much to be desired and Liam Ayed was on hand to drill the ball home.

Sirens’ reaction came on 35 minutes with a Correa freekick well saved by Ciappara. Four minutes from the break Sirens were unlucky when a Kei Sano effort smashed against the crossbar.

However, just before the break Sirens drew level when from a Correa freekick Kei Sano headed home.

In the remaining seconds of the first half, Sirens goalkeeper Cassar made two stunning saves on shots from Jurgen Pisani and Kyrian Nwoko.

A minute inside the second half Sirens were again unlucky with Riccardo Correa shot again finishing against the crossbar.

Sirens goalkeeper Cassar, surely one of the best on the field of play, again came to his side’s rescue when he brilliantly saved off a Terzi shot.

Sirens scored the winner on 87 minutes when a long Jackson cross found Kei Sano unmarked and the Japanese striker made no mistake in front of goal.

Sixty seconds later Sirens almost scored a third goal when Tachikawa, well served by Walker, was denied by a Ciappara great save.

Santa Lucia made a last-ditch effort to save the match but Sirens held on to their precious lead.

Photo Jonathan Bugeja