A goal by Kurt Coleiro enabled Melita to beat Lija Athletic 1-0 to close in on them in a clash between the two teams lying in third and fourth place in the BOV First Division.
This defeat means that Lija stay nine points behind second-placed Zebbug Rangers and twelve behind leaders Pietà Hotspurs.
In another match, Msida St. Joseph defeated Birzebbuga St. Peter’s 3-1 to collect three precious points in the battle against relegation.
Ariel Laudisi, Stacy Vella and Stephane Banzio gave Msida a three-goal lead before Ronnie Celeste pulled one back for Birzebbuga.
Pietà Hotspurs lead the way with 42 points, followed by Zebbug on 39, Lija 30, Melita 29, St. Andrews 25, St. George’s 24, Gzira 23, Gudja 22, Zurrieq 21, Birzebbuga 19, Zejtun and Msida 14, Hamrun 7.