Leaders Sta. Venera Lightnings failed to get the draw they needed to secure promotion as they lost 0-1 to Xghajra Tornados in a match from the BOV Third Division at the Sirens Stadium on Saturday.

Royter Degiorgio converted a penalty towards the end of the first half to hand the Tornados three precious points in the battle for promotion.

In another match, Mdina Knights and Kirkop United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Mark Saliba put the Knights ahead on the 3rd minute but Ayrton Buhagiar was quick to equalise for Kirkop on the 11th.

Sta. Venera lead the way with 47 points, followed by Mellieha on 44, Xghajra 41, Kirkop 39, Msida 32, Mdina 28, Dingli 24, Ghaxaq 22, Zurrieq 21, Mtarfa 14, Ta’ Xbiex and Marsaskala 8.