Msida St. Joseph maintained the challenge for promotion as they defeated Ta’ Xbiex 4-0 in one of the two BOV Third Division matches at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.

Toraino Singleton put Msida ahead on the half-hour and Lian Xuereb doubled the score. Isaac Chircop made it 3-0 on the 66th with Fabio Muscat adding another on the 90th.

In another match, Ghaxaq defeated Mtarfa by the odd goal in five. Ian Calleja put Ghaxaq ahead on the 3rd minute, Ryden Gatt doubled the score on the 14th and Tyron Borg made it 3-0 six minutes from the end of the first half. Ryan Debono reduced the gap on the 68th and Haruna Doda scored a second goal for Mtarfa three minutes from time.

Zurrieq lead the way with 48, points, followed by Xghajra on 45, Msida on 40, Dingli 35, Attard 33, Mdina 31, Kirkop 25, Ghaxaq 23, Ta’ Xbiex 17, Gharghur 12, Marsaskala 6 and Mtarfa 0.