Sannat Lions consolidate third spot

Xaghra United 0
Sannat Lions 2

Sannat Lions struck two late goals to complete a double over Xaghra United and consolidate third place in the standings.

The Lions dominated proceedings but Xaghra's solid defence only wilted in the final stages of the match.

Xaghra keeper Gauci distinguished himself with saves on Mark Muscat and Fernando de Andrade. At the other end, Silvan Galea and Abdul Mutalib threatened with swift breaks.

The Lions continued to dictate matters after the break but it was Xaghra who almost took the lead on 67 minutes but Galea miscued his shot after being set up by Johann Attard.

The stalemate was finally broken on 70 minutes thanks to De Andrade's firm shot. The Blues hit back and on 79 minutes, Galea was denied by Sannat keeper Demis Bajada.

Nine minutes from time, both teams were reduced to ten men. Xaghra's Alex Tramboo was sent off for a foul on Bajada and Sannat's Frank Debono suffered the same fate for retaliation.

Despite this setback, Sannat still managed to double their lead when, three minutes from time, Muscat's shot flew past Gauci.

Xaghra: D. Gauci, A. Tramboo, T. Borg (J. Attard), J. Bartolo, L. Blanco de Castro, S. Galea, L. Buttigieg, S.F. Bajada, M. Buhagiar, J. Galea (M. Scerri), A. Mutalib.

Sannat: D. Bajada, P. Spiteri, F. Debono, J. Agius, A. Debono, K. Loughborough, M. Muscat, K. Mercieca, E. Grima (N. Micallef), M. Cutajar, F. De Andrade.

Referee: Paul Apap

Division Two

St Lawrence Spurs boosted their promotion challenge with a 2-1 victory over Gharb Rangers.

The Spurs opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Oliver Farrugia's tap-in. Four minutes from half-time, the Spurs were awarded a penalty for a foul on Jesmond Xerri.

Renzo Formosa made no mistake from the spot. Formosa's participation came to an end on 54 minutes, though, when he was sent off for a second booking. The Rangers soon made their numerical advantage count as Jamie Farrugia pulled a goal back. On 64 minutes, Gharb thought they had equalised but Arthur Farrugia's 'goal' was disallowed by the referee.

In another match, Xewkija beat Oratory Youths 3-1 despite having to play for more than an hour with a man less following the dismissal of Josmar Vella for two bookings.

Oratory had the ball in the Xewkija net early on but the referee annulled the 'goal' as he deemed that there had been a foul on the Xewkija keeper.

Luc Tefogno put Xewkija ahead on 12 minutes. After Vella's red card, Oratory tried to get back in the match but Mark Camilleri doubled Xewkija's lead on 69 minutes and Christian Bugeja made it 3-0 three minutes later.

Oratory scored a consolation goal on 81 minutes through Ishaku Umoru.