Lija Athletic returned to winning ways as they beat Marsaxlokk 4-3 in a match from Group A of the BOV Challenge League at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Saturday.
Lija went two goals ahead thanks to Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos – a goal on the 14th and a penalty on the 27th. Walter Omar Serrano reduced the gap on the half hour and three minutes later, Xuan Cappellino levelled matters. However towards the end of the first half – one minute in added time, Lydon Micallef made it 3-2 for Lija. Kurt Borg increased the lead on the 75th with Xuan Cappellino scoring a third goal for Marsaxlokk ten minutes from time.
On the other hand, goals by James Brincat on the 39th and Weverton Gomes on the 57th handed Pembroke Athleta a 2-0 win over St. George’s at the Centenary Stadium.
Naxxar lead the way with 21 points, followed by Pembroke on 19, Zejtun and Melita 11, Lija and Marsaxlokk 7, San Gwann and Vittoriosa 6, Rabat 5, Mqabba 4 and St. George’s 1.
In Group B, Marsa were held in a 1-1 draw by Fgura United at the Centenary Stadium. Amadou Samb put Marsa ahead on the 69th but Rafael Conrado Prudente equalised on the 90th.
On the other hand, Swieqi United defeated Mgarr United 2-1 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. An own goal by Jamie Lee Micallef put Swieqi ahead on the 20th. Santiago Gabriel Achaval equalised on the 63rd but an Alan Schembri Wismayer penalty three minutes in added time handed Swieqi the three points.
Pieta’ and Zebbug lead the way with 13 points, followed by Marsa, Swieqi and Tarxien on 12 points, Fgura on 11, Qrendi 7, Luqa, Mgarr and Senglea 6, St. Andrews 3.