Leaders Lija Athletic suffered their first defeat in the BOV First Division as they lost 1-2 to Zejtun Corinthians in one of the three matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Sunday.

Jurgen Suda put Zejtun ahead on the 24th minute and Robeiro Nascimento dos Santos doubled the score on the 66th with Erjon Beu reducing the gap for Lija on the 84th.

Qrendi moved second thanks to a narrow win over Zebbug Rangers courtesy of a goal by Calvin Camilleri on the 26th minute.

In another match, Pembroke Athleta defeated Naxxar Lions 3-1. Pembroke forged ahead thanks to a goal by Adam Smeir on the 8th minute but three minutes later, Darren Falzon levelled matters. Pembroke regained the lead through Matthew Brincat on the 64th and Luka Mijic sealed the issue with a goal six minutes from time.

Lija lead the way with 18 points, followed by Qrendi on 14, Pieta’ on 13, Zejtun 12, St. Andrews 11, Naxxar and Pembroke 10, St. George’s, Zebbug and Qormi 8, Swieqi and Mqabba 7, Fgura 6 and Vittoriosa 4.