PEMBROKE ATHLETA 2

NAXXAR LIONS 0

Two second-half goals lifted Pembroke Athleta to a 2-0 victory over relegation strugglers Naxxar Lions.

Pembroke, who have moved further clear of the drop zone, deserved their win as they were the better team in the second period while Naxxar, who had produced a very good display in their 2-1 defeat to Valletta, looked disjointed throughout.

After a drab first half, the two teams upped their game in the second. Pembroke had a good chance but Ariel Laudisi flicked wide from Alex Cini's cross and, at the other end, Demba Toure pulled the ball back for Andrew Scicluna but his drive was blocked.

Pembroke went ahead close to the hour mark. Laudisi's cross from the left sailed into the six-yard box and Mano Micallef, left unmarked, headed home from close in.

Pembroke midfielder Paltemio Barbetti then had a low shot deflected wide of a post.

The Lions failed to react but had a late opportunity to equalise when Alvaro Rosero's through-ball released Toure inside the box but Muscat again showed good reflexes as he quickly closed down the Naxxar forward.

Villalobos rifled wide after receiving from Laudisi but, in stoppage time, Pembroke's American winger found the net after dispossessing Naxxar goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi.

Micallef, the Pembroke winger, was named BOV player of the match.