BOV Division 1: Senglea bounce back with win over Naxxar

After two draws and two defeats in their last four matches, Senglea Athletic bounced back as they defeated leaders Naxxar Lions 3-2 in one of three matches in the BOV First Division on Friday.

At the Centenary Stadium, Austin Obaje-Smith put Senglea ahead on the 27th minute but goals by Duane Bonnici on the 36th and Yuri de Jesus Messias three minutes later turned the score in favour of Naxxar. However, five minutes in the second half, Austin Obaje-Smith equalised and eleven minutes from time, Ryan Dalli notched the winner for Senglea who are now led by coach Steve D’Amato.

At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Mqabba and Lija Athletic shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw. Arilson Mello da Silva gave Mqabba the lead on the 5th minute but Abubakar Bello Osagie equalised on the 20th. Paul Chimezie restored the lead for Mqabba but just before half-time, Leon Muscat equalised and Erjon Beu put Lija ahead five minutes in the second half. However two minutes from time, Luca Casha levelled matters for Mqabba.

Fgura United ended their disappointing run of nine matches without a win as they beat Gharghur 2-0 in a clash between the two bottom sides. Ebube Okpokwu put Fgura ahead one minute before the end of the first half and Rafael Junior de Fex Mariaga doubled the score on the 58th.

Naxxar lead the way with 28 points, followed by Lija and Qormi on 24, Senglea and Mqabba 22, Vittoriosa 19, Pietà 18, Sirens 17,Melita 15, Zebbug and Rabat 13, Marsa 12, Fgura 11 and Gharghur 9.