Champions Hibernians opened a three point lead at the top of the table after narrowly beating title contenders Balzan 2-1 in the FXDD Premier Division.

After a goalless first half, Rui Almeida put the Paolites ahead but Romanian Gabriel Dobre equalised. However less than a minute later, Hibernians notched the winner through Xavier Saliba.

Four days later, Balzan made up for this defeat after thrashing Melita 13-0. It was an exceptional performance by Gabriel Dobre’s boys who dominated this game and wanted to give a clear message that they are still league contenders.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg

San Gwann and Hamrun Spartans obtained the points that mattered after cruising past their respective opponents Melita (4-2) and Mosta (9-2)
Spanish Cristian Cuadros Silva proved to be Hamrun’s hero after hitting the target four times.

Qormi strengthened their grip on eighth place with a hard-fought win 5-4 against Vittoriosa Stars in the FXDD Premier Division. It was an entertaining match with both sides producing some good futsal and the result could have gone on either way. Qormi scored their goals through a brace by Mohammed Abdallah, Mark Mizzi, Ismael Achami and Alen Medati. Vittoriosa’s goals came from a brace by Clive Calleja, Luke Stivala and Kenneth Spiteri.

Meanwhile Zabbar St. Patrick continued their perfect form after narrowly beating Swieqi Unitesd 13-10. In a match that produced 24 goals. Zabbar’s Frankie Xerri inspired his team by hitting home three times.

In the big match of the FXDD First Division, mighty Qrendi came from behind against second placed Gzira United to win 4-2 and stretch their winning run to 10 games and increase the advantage in the table over their opponents. It was an exciting game as it usually happens in these top of the table clashes. Gzira broke the deadlock from a goal by Leo Brincat but Qrendi quickly restored parity from a Bertram Azzopardi’s goal. One minute later, Chris Bezzina put Gzira ahead to make it 2-1 for his team. However in the second half, Qrendi made a huge comeback and hit the target three times through Gordon Zammit, Ronald Spina and Antonello Brincat to clinch a dramatic victory.

Kalkara hammered Santa Lucia 11-1. It was an extraordinary performance by the Cottonera side. Claudio Camilleri inspired Kalkara after hitting the target 4 times. Duncan Bonello scored a brace while Vaughan Barnes, Karl Muscat, Aaron Caruana, Keith Attard and Roderick Vella scored a goal each.

Sirens narrowly beat Msida St. Joseph 3-2. As the score indicates, the match was a balanced one with the St Paul’s Bay side scoring their goals from Kenneth Zammit, George Chircop and Robert Darmanin. Msida scored through Thomas Consoli and Alan Micallef.

In another close match, Zebbug Rangers defeated Fgura United 9-5 to return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats. A hat-trick from Alan Zammit, a brace by Jamie Portelli and Gorg Borg, Kersten Cilia and Dillon Bugeja scored Zebbug’s goals while Fgura’s scorers were Jeremy Cutajar (2 goals), Noel Portelli, Kerstin Muscat and Wayne Hamer.

Valletta registered their second consecutive win after defeating Siggiewi 10-3. Baldassare Borg, Robert Magro, Kersten Theuma and Dylan Agius were some of the scorers for the Citizens who have bounced eighth in the standings.

Premier Division
Hibernians 30, Balzan, Luxol 27, Pembroke, San Gwann 18, Hamrun, Qormi 15, Zabbar, Melita 12, Mosta 11, Zurrieq 9, Vittoriosa 7, Luqa 6, Birzebbuga 4, Swieqi 3.

First Division
Qrendi 31, Gzira 22, Zebbug, Kalkara 19, Naxxar 17, Fgura 16, Msida 13, Valletta 12, Sirens, M’Scala 10, Siggiewi 6, Mqabba, Sta Lucia 5