Futsal: Luxol prevail in direct clash

The Gatorade Elite Round resumed last week as Luxol won the direct clash with Valletta 2-0 to strengthen the leadership.

It was a balanced affair between two teams that are expected to be the direct contenders for the championship. As the first half ended in a stalemate, the second half offered much more excitement with Luxol surging ahead through Nicola Del Re. Valletta reacted fiercely in search of the equalizer opting also for the flying keeper in the process. But in doing so they left their rearguard unattended with Celino Alves taking advantage to double the score for Luxol. The Citizens had the chance to reduce the gap but Xavier Saliba’s shot from the second penalty spot hit the post.

Meanwhile Hamrun Tre Angeli maintained their good form of late in the campaign as they saw off University of Malta 6-1. The Red/Blacks who were without Brazilian Everton Veve, had a positive performance with Jason Mifsud and Cleaven Portelli netting a brace while Florin Anton and Peter Pullicino rounded the scoreline. The consolation goal for the students was scored by Glen Sultana.

Msida St Joseph maintained their superb form in the Gatorade First Division to cruise to another convincing victory, this time at the expense of Qormi Futsal. The Seasiders are now one point ahead of nearest rivals Sliema and five points from third-placed Mriehel ESS. Mohammed Elamari was twice on the mark for Msida while Liam Cachia, Floren Manea and an own goal completed to their score. George Chircop, Andrew Catania and Lawrence Vella were the goal-getters for Qormi.

Sliema emulated their nearest rivals after a 10-1 mauling over Marsascala. Mauro Busuttil was in fine form for the Wanderers as he hit a hat-trick, Radovan Duric scored a double while Uros Markovic, Aleksandar Ribic, Sean Keane Cassar Degabriele, Christian Micallef and Nikolay Filipov added to their tally. Reuben Degabriele was the goal-getter for Marsascala.

Safi San Lorenzo chalked up their second consecutive win to maintain their intention for a play-off spot after a 7-2 scoreline over Tarxien JMI.

Qrendi chalked up their second consecutive win as they handed Mriehel ESS an unexpected 10-8 defeat while Swieqi Under 21 notched a handsome 7-1 victory over Zurrieq Wolves.

STANDINGS
Elite Group:
Luxol 45, Hamrun Tre Angeli 42, Valletta 37, Swieqi 33, University of Malta 25
First Division:
Msida 31, Sliema 30, Mriehel ESS 26, Safi San Lorenzo 24, Qormi Futsal 22, Qrendi 16, Marsascala, Tarxien JMI 9, Swieqi U21 6, Zurrieq Wolves 3