Nine-man Gzira United managed to beat Naxxar Lions 2-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Monday in a match which brought to an end the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round league phase.  

The Maroons therefore extended their positive run to four matches to move to the eighth place on 13 points, two behind Hibernians, two ahed of Mosta and three ahead of Zabbar. Naxxar, on the other hand, continue to share the bottom spot with Tarxien Rainbows. 

Gzira took the lead on 15 minutes thanks to Johann Bonilla whose curling shot beat goalkeeper Matthias Debono. 

Naxxar levelled matters five minutes later when off a Vinicius cross, Gabriel Costa hit home from close range. 

Six minutes later, Naxxar were awarded a penalty by referee Matthew De Gabriele for a foul by Clayton Failla on Costa but Firmino’s effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo.

The Maroons regained the lead seven minutes from the end of the first half courtesy of Andre whose curling shot headed the ball home off a Bonilha free kick. 

Twelve minutes from time, David Xuereb received a second yellow card leaving Darren Abdilla’s sjde in nine men.