Naxxar Lions, St. Andrews and Swieqi United registered wins in the three matches from the BOV Challenge League in programme on Friday.

At the Centenary Stadium, Naxxar Lions defeated Lija Athletic 3-2 to join Sliema on top. The Wanderers, however, have a game in hand. Ryan Mercieca put the Lions ahead on the 23rd and Edson Cerqueira Farias scored twice on the 25th and 29th. Erjon Beu converted a penalty for Lija on the 77th and Daniel Sant reduced the gap further six minutes from time.

In another match at the Centenary Stadium, St. Andrews defeated Vittoriosa Stars 2-0 thanks to goals by Santiago Martinez on the 34th and Luke Anthony Borg seven minutes in the second half to move joint-sixth with Melita.

Goals by Jamie Scerri on the 59th and David Emmanuel Garba eleven minutes from time handed Swieqi United a 2-0 win over neighbours Melita at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

Sliema and Naxxar lead the way with 38 points, followed by Zejtun on 30, Tarxien 28, Zurrieq 23, Melita and St. Andrews 22, Fgura 21, Swieqi 20, Lija and Marsa 19, Attard 17, San Gwann 15, Marsaskala 14, Mqabba 11, Vittoriosa 10, Mtarfa 8 and Qrendi 7

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