Pembroke Athleta were the first team to secure promotion to the Premier League as third-placed Fgura United suffered a second defeat in three matches, losing narrowly to St. George’s. This is a historic promotion for the club who joins the elite of local football for the first time in its short history.

A goal by Noah Olawole Ojuola three minutes from the end of the first half enabled St. George’s to beat Fgura 1-0 and join them in third place, one point ahead of Gzira and two ahead of Gudja, Vittoriosa and Melita.

After suffering nine consecutive defeats, Msida St. Joseph earned a point in a goalless draw with Rabat Ajax but this was not enough to avoid relegation to Division 2 as they stay eight points behind the Magpies with two games to go.

For Rabat, this was another disappointing result as they have now gone seven games without a win.

On Sunday, Gzira United take on Lija while Melita and Vittoriosa Stars cross swords in a direct clash for third place. St. Andrews, on the other hand, target the three points in the game against Zurrieq which would enable them to secure promotion. Mqabba face Birzebbuga in another game.

Pembroke lead the way with 49 points, followed by St. Andrews on 46, St. George’s and Fgura 40, Gzira 39, Gudja, Vittoriosa and Melita 38, Lija 32, Mqabba 30, Rabat 23, Zurrieq 19, Msida 15 and Birzebbuga 12.