BOV Division 1: St. Andrews promoted, Melita move third

St. Andrews were the second team to win promotion from the BOV First Division to the Premier League as they defeated Zurrieq 2-0. A win which puts them, once again, on level points with Pembroke Athleta who made sure of promotion on Saturday following Fgura United’s defeat to St. George’s.

Matteo Desira Buttigieg put Luxol ahead on the 36th minute and they doubled the score thanks to an own goal on the 71st.

Meanwhile Melita moved third thanks to a 2-1 win in a direct clash with Vittoriosa Stars. Melita move one point ahead of Fgura and St. George’s, two ahead of Gzira and three ahead of Gudja and Vittoriosa.

Kurt Coleiro put Melita ahead on the 12th minute and Ivan Tufegdzic doubled the score on 33 minutes. Liam Gauci reduced the gap for Vittoriosa on 56 minutes.

Gzira United lost 1-3 to Lija Athletic, therefore dropping three important points in the race for the play-off spot. Erjon Beu converted a penalty on the 34th to put Lija ahead and Isaac McCarthy doubled the score two minutes later. Ryan Dalli pulled one back thanks to a penalty four minutes from time but in added time, Dylan Mintoff sealed the issue for Brian Spiteri’s side.

On the other hand, a hat-trick by Guilherme Soares Guedes de Freitas gave Mqabba a 3-0 win over Birzebbuga St. Peter’s. The Brazilian striker scored on the 32nd, 57th and 60th to take the lead in the list of top scorers.

Pembroke and St. Andrews lead the way with 49 points, followed by Melita on 41 points, St. George’s and Fgura 40, Gzira 39, Gudja and Vittoriosa 38, Lija 35, Mqabba 33, Rabat 23, Zurrieq 19, Msida 15 and Birzebbuga.