BOV Division 1: Santa Lucia held by Naxxar

Santa Lucia failed to keep the pace with leaders Sirens and second-placed Gudja United as they were held in a 2-2 draw by Naxxar Lions at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.

Jurgen Debono put Naxxar ahead eight minutes in the second half but Lee Galea equalised on the 77th and five minutes from time, Jackson David Usuga Mendoza converted a penalty to make it 2-1 for Santa Lucia. However Ryan Mercieca notched the equaliser four minutes in added time.

Mqabba collected three precious points in the battle against relegation as they defeated Lija Athletic 3-1. Alexsandro Ferreira put Mqabba ahead on the 35th but Erjon Beu converted a penalty to level matters two minutes from the end of the first half. Chris Vella made it 2-1 for Mqabba on the 77th minute and three minutes later, Alexsandro Ferreira sealed the issue with a third goal.

In another match, Zebbug Rangers and Vittoriosa Stars shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Jose Lucas Caetano da Silva converted a penalty on the 6th minute with Panagiotis Papadakis equalising on the 18th.

Sirens lead the way with 42 points, followed by Gudja on 35, Santa Lucia 31, Naxxar 27, Lija 25, Pembroke, Zejtun and Swieqi 23, Vittoriosa 20, Zebbug and Mqabba 19, Qrendi 17, San Gwann 16 and Marsa 5.