Hamrun Spartans returned to winning ways as a penalty by Mariano Cornago San Pedro enabled them to beat promotion challengers Lija Athletic 1-0 in one of the two BOV First Division matches in programme on Saturday.

The Spartans still lie at the bottom of the table but are now on the two-point mark.

In another match, Zurrieq held Birzebbuga St. Peter’s in a 1-1 draw.

Glanville Goodlip put Birzebbuga ahead but Mead Mifsud levelled matters for Zurrieq.

Zebbug lead the way with 26 points, followed by Pietà on 24, Lija 22, Melita and St. George’s 18, Gzira 17, Gudja and Birzebbuga 15, St. Andrews 12, Zejtun 10, Zurrieq 9, Msida 8 and Hamrun 2.