Lija Athletic returned to winning ways in the BOV First Division as they defeated Zebbug Rangers 4-2 in one of the three matches in programme at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.

Erjon Beu notched a hat-trick with goals on the 49th and the 75th and a penalty on the 81st. Ryan Cutajar reduced the gap for Zebbug on the 83rd but Aiden Galea made it 4-1 a minute later. Saturday Nanapere scored a second goal for Zebbug in added time.

Zejtun Corinthians moved back in second place thanks to a 3-0 win over Fgura United courtesy of an own goal on the 15th mintue and a brace by Robeiro do Nascimento on the 32nd and 34th.

On the other hand, goals by Edson Farias Cerqueira on the 23rd and Joel Ellul on the 90th handed Naxxar Lions a 2-0 win over Vittoriosa Stars.

Lija lead the way with 22 points, followed by Zejtun on 21, Qrendi 20, Naxxar 19, Pieta’ and St. Andrews 17, Zebbug 14, Pembroke 13, Swieqi 11, Mqabba 10, Qormi and St. George’s 9, Fgura and Vittoriosa 7.