Santa Lucia defeated Gzira United 2-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday to reopen wide the battle against relegation.
With one match to go, Balzan are currently eighth on 31 points followed by Gzira on 30, Santa Lucia 29 and Mosta 28. In their final match this coming weekend, Balzan face Marsaxlokk needing a draw to secure their status; Gzira and Santa Lucia both need to win against Floriana and Birkirkara respectively while Mosta have to beat Naxxar, hoping that Santa Lucia fail to win or Gzira lose to Floriana in order to avoid relegation.
Santa Lucia forged ahead on the 3rd minute when Carlos Gabriel Moreira de Oliveira beat goalkeeper Darien Zarkov with a great curling shot which gave the Gżira custodian no chance.
On the 33rd minute, they managed to double the score when Aleksa Mrdja was floored inside the area by Farid Romero Zuniga. Referee Ishmael Barbara ordered a penalty and Carlos Moreira converted.
Three minutes from time, Gżira were unlucky to hit the upright but substitute Dacosta Boadu hit home off the rebound to pull one back for the Maroons.