BOV Division 3: Kalkara champions, Santa Lucia promoted

Kalkara and Santa Lucia had reasons to celebrate in the BOV Third Division on Saturday as the former were crowned champions and the latter secured promotion to Division 2 next season.

Kalkara defeated Sta. Venera Ligthnings 2-1 at the Centenary Stadium thanks to goals by Ryan Sell on the 23rd and Timothy Thomas on the 62nd with Conrad Tabone scoring a consolation goal for the Lightnings nine minutes from time.

In another match at the Centenary Stadium, Santa Lucia got the points they needed to gain promotion as they beat Dingli Swallows 2-1. Following a goalless first half, Sebastian Perdomo put Santa Lucia ahead on the 69th and eight minutes later, Andre Joe Cutajar doubled the score with Luke Galea reducing the gap in added time when he converted a penalty.

Msida St. Joseph defeated Luqa St. Andrew’s 2-1 in a direct clash between the teams fighting for promotion at the Sirens Stadium. A draw would have been enough for Luqa but Msida claimed the three points to move five points behind them with two games to go. Clint Zammit put Msida ahead on the 45th and doubled the score on the 69th with Lee Baldacchino pulling one back thanks to a penalty two minutes from time.

In another match at the Sirens Stadium, Mtarfa beat Marsaskala 3-1 thanks to goals by Paul Azzopardi on the 28th, an own goal on the 48th and Paul Azzopardi once again on the 62nd with Christian Bordieri reducing the gap for the Southseasiders thirteen minutes from time from the penalty spot.

At the Charles Abela Stadium, Ta’ Xbiex earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Kirkop United. Paul Francis Sumaila put Ta’ Xbiex ahead on the 63rd but Matthew Cassar equalised five minutes from time.

On the other hand, Mdina Knights came from behind to beat Xghajra Tornados 3-2. Antoine Barbara put Xghajra ahead three minutes from the end of the first half and Royter Degiorgio doubled the score five minutes in the second half. Gilbert Camilleri pulled one back on the 70th, Daniel Cremona equalised on the 74th and four minutes later, Ayrton Buhagiar notched the winner.

Kalkara lead the way with 56 points, followed by Santa Lucia on 49, Luqa 47, Msida 42, Sta. Venera 37, Kirkop and Xghajra 34, Mdina 33, Zurrieq 28, Dingli 19, Mtarfa 16, Ta’ Xbiex 14 and Marsaskala 3.