This evening’s programme from the Gatorade Elite Round is highlighted by the top-of-the-table clash between league leaders Luxol and second-placed Ħamrun Spartans.

Luxol have 48 points while the Spartans, who have a game in hand, are second on 43.

The experienced Luxol team were only beaten once this season but they will have to be on full alert against the Spartans who have reached peak form at this crucial phase of the campaign.

Ħamrun have made their intentions clear in their last few matches with league top scorer Raphinha scoring most of his side’s goals along with fellow Brazilian Michel Melo Jose.

The Spartans are coming from a run of four successive wins.

After victories over Msida and Swieqi, Luxol beat Valletta 4-1 in their last outing.

In the first round, Luxol edged the Spartans 4-3.

Despite being a direct encounter between the top two teams, tonight’s clash is not decisive as, at the end of the second round, the top four will go into the play-offs.

Meanwhile, in the First Division, leaders Sliema Wanderers dropped their first points after four matches when they were held to a 4-4 draw by Mdina Knights.

Paul Bugeja netted a hat-trick and Dexter O’Brien scored the other goal for the Wanderers.

Roberto Sarcia (2), Cleavon Portelli and Gaetano Gesualdi were on target for the Knights.

Second-placed Sirens failed to profit from Sliema’s slip-up after going down 8-5 to Qrendi while Mqabba moved a step closer to the play-offs after seeing off Żebbuġ Rangers 6-2.

Marsaskala had the better of Gozo 6-5 in a basement clash.

Standings
Elite Round: Luxol 48; Ħamrun 43; Valletta 40; Lija 31; Swieqi 23; Msida 22.
First Division: Sliema 29; Sirens 26; Żebbuġ 24; Mqabba 21; Mdina 16; Qrendi 14; Marsaskala 13; Gozo 1.