Marsaxlokk returned to winning ways as two goals in the first half handed them the three points in a 2-1 win over Zabbar St. Patrick in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Southseasiders therefore bounced back from the defeat to Hamrun Spartans in their last outing to keep the pace with leaders Valletta. Zabbar, on the other hand, have now gone five matches without a win.
Making his debut for the Saints was Italian coach Adolfo Sormani who opted for four changes from their last outing. Enzo Potenza, on the other hand, named an unchanged side.
Marsaxlokk managed to take the lead on 23 minutes after they were awarded a penalty after referee Joseph Scerri reviewed an alleged infringement in the penalty area as Nicolas Lancioni seemed to handle the ball off a Nikolai Muscat free kick. From the penalty spot, Joseph Minala converted to put the Southseasiders ahead.
On 36 minutes, Marsaxlokk doubled the score when goalkeeper Patrik Mohorovic failed to control a back pass and Dodo intercepted the ball, placing it at the back of the net.
Zabbar pulled one back on 87 minutes when off a free kick from the right, Jovancic served substitute Mario Fontanella who placed the ball at the back of the net from close range.