There were no major changes at the top of the FXDD Premier Division standings after leaders Hibernians and second-placed Luxol cancelled each other in an entertaining 5-5 draw to remain the only two unbeaten teams of the league.
It was an entertaining match played at the Corradino Pavillion. After breaking the deadlock very early in the game, Luxol administered the match and tried to impose their style of play on the Paolites who after the initial shock made a great reaction and managed to get the draw before half time. The second half was a balanced affair with both teams reacting after their respective goal. Therefore the draw was a fair result.
Levan Kobaidze scored twice for Hibernians with David Bobokhidze, Celino Alves and Xavier Saliba scoring the other three goals. A hat-trick by player-coach Florin Anton and a brace for William Barbosa were the goal scorers for Luxol who take Balzan in another top of the table clash.
Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg
Meanwhile Balzan kept the pace with the two unbeaten rivals after having the better of Qormi 7-2.
It was a collective performance by last year’s Knock-Out winners who broke the deadlock after just 36 seconds with Gabriel Dobre and doubled the score one minute later through Christian Wismayer. The Yellows tried a sort of reaction with Peter Pullicino inspiring his team with some good counter-attacks. Despite all this, Christian Wismayer added another one until the same Pullicino found the net with a great shot to make it 3-1. Before half-time Balzan scored two more goals with Glenn Bonello and Gabriel Dobre.
In the second half, Qormi tried to organize their defence and limit the scoreline. Glenn Bonello hit the target to score a brace until Peter Pullicino reduced the arrears for Qormi. Rennie Tanti completed the scoreline for Balzan to win 7-2 and score their 107th goal of the campaign.
Hamrun Spartans had mixed luck in a week where they gained their third consecutive win of 2014 (8-5 against Zabbar) but then failing to bag the three points against Pembroke Athleta, losing 10-5. Mohammed Elamari was the Spartans’ inspirational player after scoring a hat-trick.
In the derby between Southsiders, Zabbar St. Patrick returned to winning ways after defeating Vittoriosa Stars 4-2. Glenn Barry and Nikolay Filipov were among the scorers for Zabbar who now move sixth in the table.
Zebbug Rangers registered their seventh win of the season in the FXDD First Division after seeing off Kalkara 4-2 to continue their challenge for promotion. In fact the Rangers are one point behind second-placed Gzira United who earned a point in an entertaining 4-4 draw against Naxxar Lions. Adrian Fenech was Naxxar’s inspirational player after netting a hat-trick with Khail Drago scoring the other one. Gzira replied with goals from two braces by Aurelio Burgio and Chris Bezzina.
Valletta obtained their third win in a row after narrowly beating bottom-placed Santa Lucia 2-1. The Citizens scored their goals from Aaron Camilleri and Renald Formston.
Sirens edged past Siggiewi 5-3 while Marsascala beat neighbours Fgura 5-4.