John Paul Muscat notched a hat-trick for Mqabba as the Reds returned to winning ways, defeating Pietà Hotspurs 4-2. Mqabba now move second on 21 points, together with St. George’s, five points behind leaders Balzan Youths.

Muscat put Mqabba ahead on 15 minutes, doubled the score just before half-time and scored a third one seven minutes in the second half.

Quilin Refalo converted a penalty on 55 minutes to reduce the gap and Christian Grech scored a second goal for the Hotspurs on 86 minutes. Deep into stoppage time, Pierre Grima converted a penalty for Mqabba to make it 4-2.

In the second match, Dingli Swallows and St. Andrews shared the spoils in a goalless draw.

Balzan lead the way with 26 points, followed by Mqabba and St. George’s on 21, Mosta 20, Lija 17, Melita 16, St. Andrews 13, Dingli 12, Pietà 9 and Msida -4.