Hibernians won their direct clash against Luxol to maintain sole leadership in the FXDD Premier Division table. Both sets of players produced an exciting match to entertain those present at the Corradino Pavillion.
Luxol managed to break deadlock through Eslam Kalifa but shortly after Kurt Bartolo levelled the matters for Hibs with a fine finish. Hibernians maintained the pressure on their opponents and scored twice through Mark Zammit and Levan Kobaidze. One minute into the second half, Mark Zammit scored his second personal goal for Hibernians. Tarek Ibrahim reduced the score again for Luxol but Kurt Bartolo hit back for the Paolites. William Barbosa’s goal proved useless for Luxol who suffered their first defeat of the season.
Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg
Balzan easily disposed of Zabbar St. Patrick, beating them 7-3 to climb second and leapfrog Luxol in the standings. Gabriel Dobre’s boys had the lion’s share of play and managed to end the first half with a 5-1 lead. In the second half, they managed to score two more goals to secure the victory. Clint Cope, Giancarlo Sammut, Andrea Dan and Nicola del Re were among the scorers for Balzan who play the Knock-Out final next Friday.
San Gwann confirmed their fourth place with a 10-5 win over Pembroke Athleta. It was a great showing by San Gwann who managed to end the first half 4-3. However in the second half, Pembroke managed to level matters immediately after their opponents scored again to extend their advantage. Dennis di Maio once again proved to be San Gwann’s inspirational player hitting the target four times. A brace by Dylan Musu, Andy Mangion, Shawn Vella, Daniel Mifsud and an own goal added more goals for the winners. Dexter O’Brien, Alexander Ribic and Floren Manea were among the scorers for Pembroke.
In another match, Hamrun Spartans had the better of neighbours Qormi, defeating them 4-1.
Meanwhile, Valletta and Zebbug Rangers are one step away from being promoted to the Premier Division next season after some hard-fought wins to continue marching on in the FXDD First Division.
Valletta saw off eleventh placed Siggiewi 4-2 to maintain their top spot with Zebbug and Gzira. Valletta scored their most important goals from a brace by Robert Magro, Ilija Milivojsa and Dylan Agius.
Zebbug emulated their rivals’ success as they disposed of Fgura United 6-1. Alan Zammit pushed his team forward with a hat-trick, Karstin Cilia scored a brace and Jonathan Scerri added another one for the Rangers who obtained their fifteenth success of the season.
A great second half and a magnificent performance gave Gzira United an important win against Qrendi to get closer to promotion. Three braces by Josh Parry, Joseph Mifsud and Alessio Restuccia paved the way for the Maroons’ victory. Antonello Brincat and Luke Zammit managed to score for Qrendi.