Marsaxlokk piled further misery on Hamrun Spartans as they defeated them 3-2 in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday.
The Southseasiders, who registered a fifth consecutive positive result, join Hamrun and Gzira United in sixth place on the 11-point mark but the Maroons have a game in hand.
Marsaxlokk took the lead on 38 minutes when Jai Quitongo released Yuri Messias on the left and the latter advanced into the area before slotting the ball past Henry Bonello.
Hamrun equalised nine minutes in the second half when goalkeeper Marko Drobnjak brought Emerson Marcelina down inside the area and from the penalty spot, Joseph Mbong made no mistake.
However, their joy was short-lived as two minutes later, Marsaxlokk regained the lead when they were awarded another penalty after Roko Prsa handled the ball with Yuri Messias converting from the penalty spot.
The Southseasiders made it 3-1 on 63 minutes when off a cross by Ryan Scicluna from the right, Alex Tanque sent Jai Quitongo through with the Scottish striker anticipating Xerri and Marcelina and slotting the ball past Bonello.
Ħamrun reduced the gap on 79 minutes when off a cross by substitute Mattias Ellul from the left, the ball reached another substitute, Gabriel Vella, whose first attempt was blocked by a defender before he slammed the ball past Drobnjak off the rebound.
Four minutes in added time, with all Ħamrun players in attack, including goalkeeper Henry Bonello, they were reduced to ten men as Mattias Ellul was sent off for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity after pulling Aguiar down as he was heading toward the empty goal.
>> Hamrun Spartans FC vs Marsaxlokk FC match card