Pasta Poiatti Qormi 0
Ta' Soldi Rabat 1

This much-awaited encounter between the top two teams in the standings resulted in a rather scrappy affair.

More was expected of Qormi who dominated the scene this season but failed miserably in this important clash with Rabat.

Qormi lacked the energy and vision which gave them an edge over their rivals in the initial stages of the championship. They have now been joined at the top by Rabat who, thanks to their stalwart Josef Antonelli, are serious contenders for the crown.

In the first half Rabat showed the better touches but their play was mainly restricted to midfield. But, on 25 minutes Antonelli dribbled his way into the Qormi shooting area and with a precise push shot squeezed the ball between the keeper's stretched leg and the post to give his side the lead.

Qormi's reaction was tame and ineffective. In the early stages of the second half it was Antonelli who brought the best out of keeper Ramon Chircop. The latter again denied Antonelli with a timely intervention following a through-ball by Jason Vella.

On 41 minutes, Charlot Antonelli could have sealed the issue but missed a sitter to the dismay of his team-mates.

Rabat goalkeeper Ian Azzopardi got the first touch of the ball on 64 minutes when he had to leave his charge to kick clear a dangerous through-ball towards Magri.

Rabat play Young Stars on Sunday. A win for the Stars would bring them to within one point of Rabat and with a game in hand.

Mr Clean Young Stars 2
BDO Sliema Hotsticks 0

This was a one-way affair with Young Stars failing to capitalise on their numerous scoring chances.

Time and again young Sliema keeper Elton Farrugia foiled the Young Stars forwards until the 18th minute when he failed to clear and Ivan Magro Dingli was at hand to slot the ball home.

Sliema might have equalised on 28 minutes when a deflected shot almost beat goalkeeper Mizzi but veteran Charles Micallef cleared off the fatal line. This was the only time Sliema troubled their opponents.

In the second half, Young Stars again went straight out on the attack and after two superb saves by Farrugia, Marvin Vella doubled the score with a strong push shot to the corner of the net.

Young Stars won this match comfortably but they must improve their performances if they really want to challenge Rabat and Qormi for the top prize.