Leaders Qrendi continued to impress in the FXDD First Division after beating third place Zebbug Rangers 6-2 to move three points clear over their nearest rivals Gzira. This was Qrendi’s eighth victory of the campaign and are the only team still to concede a defeat this season in the First Division.
It was a match full of expectations for the two promotion contenders. Qrendi opened a three goal lead through an Alan Spiteri brace and a goal by Antonello Brincat. Zebbug pulled one back from Gorg Borg to get back into the match before the end of the first half. In the second half, Qrendi continued to exert pressure on the Zebbug rearguard and scored two more goals from Antonello Brincat and Kevin Vella. Gorg Borg added another for Zebbug but shortly afterwards Alan Spiteri completed a hat-trick to score his side’s sixth goal to make the score 6-2 for Qrendi.
Gzira United replied with a 6-1 win over Marsaskala.
Kenneth Bonnici, Charlo Debattista and a brace from Alessio Restuccia put Gzira four goals ahead until a penalty from John Paul Barbara reduced the arrears for Marsaskala. In the second half, Marsaskala tried to make a sort of reaction with John Paul Barbara going close several times but Gzira keeper Neil Camilleri producing brilliant saves. Alessio Restuccia and Aurelio Burgio added two goals to seal the win for Gzira who remain second in the table with 22 points.
Valletta returned to winning ways after disposing of Mqabba with a 6-2 scoreline. Aaron Camilleri, Dylan Agius, Renald Formston and Clayton Felice were among the scorers for the Citizens. Falzon and Dimech scored the goals for Mqabba who suffered their seventh defeat of the season and are still lying in the last place of the table with two points.
In the FXDD Premier Division, Melita returned to winning ways after seeing off Birzebbuga 7-4 to go sixth in the table. It was a balanced game but Melita proved to be the better side. They played a possession game with experienced player Edwin Gauci present at all times in Melita’s actions. He controlled the defence and also ran forward especially from the right wing. For Melita, Michael Martin scored three, Edwin Gauci two with David Eminyan and Daniel Gravino adding the other two goals. James Galea, Wayne Vella, Jovin Abela and Mark Psaila scored for Birzebbuga.
Photo: copyright © Joe Borg
STANDINGS:
Premier Division: Hibernians 24, Balzan, Luxol 21, Pembroke, San Gwann 15, Qormi Melita 12, Hamrun, Zabbar 9, Mosta 7, Zurrieq, Vittoriosa, Luqa 6, Birzebbuga 4, Swieqi 3
First Division: Qrendi 25, Gzira 22, Zebbug 16, Naxxar 16, Fgura, Msida, Kalkara 13, Marsaskala 10, Valletta 9, Sirens 7, Siggiewi 6, Sta Lucia 5, Mqabba 2