Sliema Wanderers move third, on level points with Marsaxlokk, thanks to a narrow win over bottom-placed Santa Lucia at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.
This was, in fact, the fourth win for the Wanderers in seven matches. Santa Lucia, on the other hand, continue chasing their first win as they suffer their fifth defeat.
Sliema scored the all-important goal on the 34th minute when Samuel Gomes da Mata sent Vito Plut through on the left, inside the area and the latter squared low for the Brazilian to hit home past goalkeeper Celio.
Sixteen minutes from time, Sven Xerri received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle to leave this side in ten men.