Luxol joined Hibernians on top the FXDD Premier League table after seeing off Luqa St. Andrew’s 8-0. Early goals through Ibrahim Tarek and Karl Saliba put Luxol two goals ahead with the Luqa defence, marshalled by Chris Cardona and Stephen Aquilina, doing their best to control their opponents. However Luxol scored six goals without reply after the break.
Luxol’s hero proved to be Karl Saliba who scored four goals together with a brace by Ibrahim Tarek, Florin Anton and Noel Bray.
Leaders Qrendi continued their winning trend in the FXDD First Division and won their ninth match of the season, beating Marsaskala 7-2.
Two braces from Antonello Brincat and Dirk Zammit, Alan Spiteri, Bertram Azzopardi and Gordon Zammit scored the goals that mattered for the Qrendi side who meet Gzira next in the top of the table clash later on this month.
Naxxar Lions defeated Zebbug Rangers 6-3 to register their fifth success of the season and leapfrog the Rangers in the table. Naxxar’s goals were scored from a hat-trick by Andrew Catania, Adrian Fenech, Paul Falzon and Glen Borg.
Mqabba gained their first win of the season after beating Sirens 5-3. It was a brilliant comeback for Kenneth Fiteni’s side that found themselves 3-0 down after Sirens scored twice through Robert Darmanin and a goal by George Chircop. Steve Pace pulled one back for Mqabba just before half-time but in the second half, Mqabba dominated and scored four goals through a brace from Joseph Darmanin, Steve Falzon and Andre Ciancio to celebrate their first victory of the season.
Fgura United maintained their positive run with a 5-2 victory against Santa Lucia. They scored three goals in the first half through Noel Portelli, Kirston Muscat and Tano Magro. In the second half, Santa Lucia tried to get back into the match after two goals by Karl Grech. But Jason Gauci and Kirston Muscat sealed the issue for Fgura who climbed fifth in the table.
STANDINGS:
Premier: Luxol, Hibs 24, Balzan 21, Pembroke, San Gwann 15, Melita, Qormi 12, Hamrun, Zabbar 9, Mosta 7, Zurrieq, Vittoriosa, Luqa 6, B’Bugia 4, Swieqi 3
First: Qrendi 28, Gzira 22, Naxxar 17, Zebbug, Fgura 16, Msida, Kalkara 13, M’Scala 10, Valletta 9, Sirens 7, Siggiewi 6, Mqabba, Sta Lucia 5
Meanwhile Futsal Knock-Out holders Balzan reached the quarter-finals of the FXDD Futsal Knock-Out Competition after beating Qormi 6-1. Andrea Dan notched a hat-trick, player-coach Gabriel Dobre scored twice and Glenn Bonello added another. Qormi’s consolation goal was scored from an own goal by Nicola del Re.
Gzira United won the derby against Msida St. Joseph 4-0 to go through the quarter finals. A brace by Leo Brincat, Aurelio Burgio and Kris Bezzina scored for the Maroons.
Premier side Zurrieq defeated First Division side Zebbug Rangers 8-4. Tyron Borg scored a hat-trick, while Lawrence Vella, Joseph Lia, Joris Garnier and a brace by Joshua Farrugia completed the score for the winners.
Swieqi United also qualified for the next round after beating Naxxar 6-1.
Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg