Lija Athletic missed an excellent opportunity to join Zejtun Corinthians on top the BOV First Division table as they suffered a 2-3 defeat to Qrendi in one of the three matches in programme at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday. This was the fourth defeat in seven matches for Lija.

Frank Temile put Lija ahead on the 3rd minute but Jonatan Fausto Silveira da Silva equalised on the 31st. Leon Muscat restored the lead for Lija on the 46th minute but Leejoe Schembri levelled matters for Qrendi on the 68th and Dhonatan Santos da Hora notched the winner on the 90th.

Pembroke Athleta registered a fourth win on the trot as they beat Mqabba 2-1. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and Neil Frendo put Pembroke two goals ahead with Alexsandro Ferreira reducing the gap during the second half.

In another match, Pieta’ Hotspurs and Swieqi United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Ibrahim Salis opened the score one minute from the end of the first half but Jose Lucas Caetano da Silva equalised thanks to a penalty on the 71st minute.

Zejtun lead the way with 28 points, followed by Lija on 25, St. Andrews 24, Qrendi 23, Naxxar and Pembroke 22, Pieta’ 18, Swieqi and Zebbug 15, Mqabba and St. George’s 13, Qormi 12, Fgura 11 and Vittoriosa 9.