Pietà Hotspurs maintained the challenge for promotion as they defeated leaders Naxxar Lions 2-0 at the Centenary Stadium.

Angus Buhagiar was sent off for Naxxar Lions on 65 minutes. The Hotspurs took full advantage and forged ahead on 76 minutes through David Senior. Five minutes from time, Quelin Refalo doubled the score.

At the Luxol Stadium, Birzebbuga St. Peter’s held Vittoriosa Stars in a 1-1 draw.

Martin Deanov put Birzebbuga ahead after just three minutes and just before half-time, Marcelo Pereira levelled matters for Vittoriosa.

Lija Athletic defeated Dingli Swallows 2-0.

Beppe Antignolo put Lija ahead on 67 minutes and nine minutes later, Leontiev Konda converted a penalty to double the score.

St. Andrews beat Gzira United 3-1 in another match.

Trayo Grozev pu the Saints ahead five minutes in the secnd half. Nicky Vella Petroni doubled the score on the 70th. Two minutes from time, Rumen Kerekov scored the third goal before Sunny Ogemuda pulled one back for Gzira in added time.

Vittoriosa and Naxxar lead the way with 34 points, followed by Pietà on 33, Lija 32, St. Andrews 27, Marsaxlokk and Gudja 26, Gzira and Zejtun 18, Dingli 12, Birzebbuga 10, Mqabba 5.