An own goal after just twelve minutes by Daniel Zerafa ensured Pembroke Athleta stay at the top of the BOV First Division table as they beat St. George’s 1-0 in a clash between two challengers for promotion.
This was the eighth win for Pembroke in the last nine matches while for St. George’s, this defeat brought to an end a positive run of four wins in six matches.
St. Andrews keep the pace with the leaders after a 2-1 win over neighbours Melita in the derby. Following a goalless first half, Emiliano Lattes put St. Andrews ahead on 57 minutes, Julian Galea equalised nine minutes later but on the 74th minute, Matteo Desira Buttigieg made it 2-1 for Luxol.
Fgura United collected three precious points in a 2-1 win over Vittoriosa Stars. Roland John Emeka put Fgura ahead on the 13th and the same player doubled the score on the 78th. Ryan Degiorgio scored a consolation goal four minutes in added time.
In another match, Msida St. Joseph returned to winning ways as they beat Zurrieq 4-1 in a direct clash between two teams which were sharing the second place from bottom. Ricardo Silva Faria converted a penalty four minutes from the end of the first half to put Msida ahead. Joseph Jo Jo Ogunuppe equalised six minutes in the second half but a minute later, Rennie Forace made it 2-1. Uchenna Anyanwu scored a third goal on the hour and eight minutes from time, Gentaro Murakami converted another penalty to seal the issue.
Pembroke lead the way with 26 points, followed by St. Andrews on 25, Gudja and Vittoriosa on 22, St. George’s and Melita 20, Fgura and Gzira 19, Lija 18, Rabat 17, Mqabba 14, Msida 13, Zurrieq 10 and Birzebbuga 3.