Zebbug Rangers failed to keep the pace with leaders Pietà Hotspurs as they suffered a shock 0-3 defeat to Gudja United in one of the four BOV First Division matches in programme on Sunday.

Mauro Brincat, Matthew Groves and Ryan Dalli scored the goals for Gudja. Zebbug had two players sent off and Gudja one.

After collecting just two points from the last three matches, Melita returned to winning ways as they beat Zejtun Corinthians 4-1.

Aleksandars Cekulajevs put Zejtun ahead but a hat-trick by Luke Micallef and a goal by Jean Carlo Generoso da Silva turned the score in the Amateurs’ favour.

St. George’s defeated Zurrieq 2-1. Alex Ellul and Abdul Mendy Razak put the Cospicua side two goals ahead with Aaron Agius reducing the arrears.

Gzira United registered an identical 2-1 win over Birzebbuga St. Peter’s. Moises Avila Perez and Martin Kotyza scored for the Maroons with Ronnie Celeste notching the temporarily equaliser.

Pietà lead the way with 36 points, followed by Zebbug on 33, Lija 29, Melita 26, St. George’s 23, St. Andrews 22, Gudja 21, Gzira 20, Birzebbuga 18, Zurrieq 15, Zejtun 14, Msida 11 and Hamrun 7.