Luxol’s Frane Despotovic (left) gets to the ball ahead of Lija’s Kurt Bartolo at the Corradino Pavilion. Photo: Joe Borg

Title hopefuls Luxol and Ħamrun Spartans maintained their impressive march at the top of the standings after winning their matches against Lija Athletic and Żebbuġ Rangers, respectively.

Luxol were made to sweat by Lija before emerging winners by the odd goal in seven.

As the 4-3 scoreline indicates, this was not an easy stroll for the defending champions as Lija produced a solid display and gave their all throughout the match.

The balance tilted Luxol’s way as William Barbosa scored twice with the other goals for the winners coming from Frane Despotovic and Carl Azzopardi.

Lija’s goals were scored by Luke Stivala, Ebrahim Massoudi and Chavi Montes Burgos.

The Spartans were in a class of their own as they overwhelmed Żebbuġ Rangers 11-4.

Rangers were an organised side and showed their best play in the opening half. They went in for the break level at 3-3.

However, Ħamrun upped the tempo in the second half to score eight more goals and collect three precious points.

Raphinha was the Spartans’ best player as he found the net six times.

George Frendo and Rodrigo hit a double and Michael Spiteri was the other player on the scoring sheet for the Reds.

Anton Novoa Perez (2), Ġorġ Borg and Jamie Portelli were on the mark for Rangers who returned to winning ways four days later when edging past Sliema Wanderers 5-4.

Spaniard Novoa Perez collected another brace for Żebbuġ while Ricky Zammit, Karsten Cilia and Jonathan Sammut were also among the scorers for the winners.

In another match, Swieqi were also back to winning form after easing past Qrendi 7-3 while Sirens registered their second consecutive victory after beating Mdina Knights 5-3.

Standings
Ħamrun, Valletta, Luxol, Msida, Swieqi 9; Mdina, Żebbuġ, Sirens 6; Lija, Mqabba, Sliema 3; Qrendi, Gozo, Marsascala 0.