Kirkop, Qormi share top spot ahead of Zurrieq

Birzebbuga 0
Kirkop United 5

Kirkop United cruised to a comfortable win over Birzebbuga St Peter's to join Qormi at the top of the Division Three promotion play-offs standings with seven points. Alistair Camilleri left his mark for Leonard Farrugia's side when notching a hat-trick.

Kirkop created the best chances in the first half but they were let down by some poor finishing.

Birzebbuga created the first chance of the match after five minutes when Mark Ellul's effort just missed the target. Kirkop's reply arrived on 10 minutes when Camilleri's lob finished just over and the Kirkop striker was then twice denied by Birzebbuga goalkeeper Mifsud.

But four minutes from the break, Camilleri was not to be denied when he finished off a good move by Chris Farrugia.

In the second half, Kirkop kept the upperhand and it was no surprise when Camilleri made it 2-0 from a Duncan Micallef cross.

Camilleri kept threatening the Saints' defence. On 75 minutes he was fouled in the area by Frans Cassar and Etienne Bonnici converted the resultant penalty.

Six minutes later, substitute Charles Pace hit goal no. 4 before Camilleri completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute to seal the points for Kirkop.

Referee: George Bitri.

Qormi 3
Zurrieq 0

Qormi fully deserved to take the three points from this match. With three teams still in the running, the last two matches, scheduled for tomorrow and Friday, will be crucial to decide who will play in the Second Division next season.

Qormi look favourites as they face Birzebbuga, who have no chance of promotion. On Friday, Kirkop take on Zurrieq.

Qormi made all the early running with Mark Tabone and Anthony Brignone close to giving them an early lead. But in the 29th minute they went ahead when Steve Baldacchino's effort hit the upright before Zurrieq goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia deviated the ball into his own net.

Two minutes later, Farrugia denied Brignone from close in but minutes later he could do nothing to stop Carmel Formosa from scoring after the latter pounced on some hesitant defending.

Early in in the second half, Godfrey Chetcuti missed a sitter for Zurrieq while Robert Bajada and Victor Fiteni had shots well saved by the Qormi goalkeeper.

On 74 minutes Formosa hit Qormi's third to put the result beyond Zurrieq's reach. The former Marsaxlokk forward almost completed a hat-trick in time added on but his shot was cleared off the line by a Zurrieq defender.

Referee: Alan Mario Sant.

Costantino confirmed Sta Venera coach

Sta Venera Lightnings have extended the contract of coach Kenneth Costantino for another season after guiding the side to Division Two promotion.

Costantino joined the club in season 2000/2001 when he was appointed coach of the youth team, leading them to two successive promotions from Section C to A. The following year he took charge of the senior squad.

Last week, Martin Gregory was confirmed as Gharghur coach for another season.