BOV Division 1: Mqabba promoted — Balzan win big clash

Mqabba were the second team to win promotion to the Premier League after beating St. George’s 7-1 in a match from the BOV First Division on Sunday.

This win puts Clive Mizzi’s side three points ahead of Mosta and Melita with one match to go. But even if Mqabba lose the final game and Mosta and Melita win theirs and the three teams end on level points, Mqabba would have the best record in direct encounters and would still secure promotion.

Claudio Calleja gave Mqabba an early lead on the 3rd minute and Advan Cakiqi doubled the score on the 11th. Marco Milutinovic pulled one back for the Saints on 17 minutes but Claudio Calleja made it 3-1 on 31 minutes. A hat-trick by John Paul Muscat on 45, 76 and 84 minutes extended the lead further before Advan Cakiqi scored the seventh goal.

Meanwhile champions Balzan Youths defeated Melita 3-2 in this weekend’s big match. A result which leaves the Amateurs on level points with Mosta.

Rennie Forace put Balzan ahead on 25 minutes and Steve Meilak doubled the score five minutes from the end of the first half. Rudi Alhinho pulled one back for Melita on 65 minutes but Pedro Calcado converted a penalty to make it 3-1. An own goal by Jonathan Francica two minutes from time enabled the Amateurs to reduce the gap to just one goal.

Next Saturday Mosta take on St. Andrews while on May 1, Mqabba face Dingli Swallows and Melita meet Lija Athletic.

Should both Mosta and Melita win, a promotion decider would be necessary.