Kirkop United lost the top spot to Santa Venera Lightnings and Mellieha after suffering a 1-2 defeat to Msida St. Joseph in one of the two BOV Third Division matches at the Charles Abela Stadium on Sunday.

Michael Theuma put Kirkop ahead on the 10th minute but a brace by Mario Crupi on the 43rd and 48th gave Msida the three points.

In another match, Mellieha defeated Zurrieq 3-0. Jack Vella put Mellieha ahead on the half-hour and just past the hour, Jeffrey Gauci doubled the score with Mark Abela adding another three minutes in added time.

Sta. Venera and Mellieha lead the way with 15 points, followed by Kirkop and Xghajra on 13, Mdina and Msida 9, Ghaxaq, Zurrieq and Dingli 7, Mtarfa 6, Ta Xbiex 3 and Marsaskala 1.