Zebbug Rovers celebrated a first Division One title in their 29-year history with a victory over rivals Nadur Youngsters last weekend but at the other end of the standings, a relegation play-off is needed to determine who goes down between Sannat, Kercem and Xewkija.
Zebbug Rovers 1
Nadur Youngsters 0
This was the Rovers' third victory of the season over outgoing champions Nadur to the delight of their clan who filled the Gozo Stadium stands and decorated the place for the occasion.
There was little at stake with Zebbug already assured of their first-ever league title before kick-off.
However, both teams gave the impression that they wanted to end the league trek on a high even though there were disappointing results for the two teams yesterday in the BoV Super Cup.
Zebbug were more effective in the opening half. A free-kick by John Eboh went slightly over the bar and soon after Nadur 'keeper Justin Falzon blocked two quick attempts by Leandro and Touali.
Nadur had a Panic header that almost broke the deadlock but at the other end it was Falzon who again showed some superb reflexes to turn to corner a Leandro drive.
Falzon was again the protagonist after the break when he denied Joseph Cordina from scoring with a lob from outside the area. However, in the 60th minute Silvan Galea surprised the Nadur no.1 with an unstoppable shot from outside the box after a fine move with Eboh.
That proved to be the winner as Nadur, despite their efforts, failed to ruin the Rovers' celebrations.
Referee: Anton Zammit.
Ghajnsielem 0
Sannat Lions 2
Sannat chalked up three vital points in their quest to avoid the drop after beating mid-table side Ghajnsielem. Play-offs are now required to see which team goes down automatically and the one to play another decider with the Division Two runners-up. The first play-off is today.
This was Sannat's last chance to save their status. They knew that nothing short of the three points were useful to their cause. In the end they reached their goal and now look to maintain their fine form in the coming decisive matches.
Dione Lautier put Sannat in front after 24 minutes. He headed home from a perfect Mutalib cross. These two players again worked out the second goal three minutes later. Mutalib released Lautier who thumped the ball home from close in.
Lautier could have scored a hat-trick before half-time but his rasping shot was stopped by the woodwork.
Ghajnsielem played better after the break but without Mbueko, suspended, and Ndayi, injured, the team showed little cohesion and lacked ideas.
Referee: Carmel Attard.
Division Two
Promoted team Xaghra increased their lead over second-placed St Lawrence Spurs as they returned to winning ways after hitting a bad patch. They beat Gharb Rangers 3-1 with three goals from John Camilleri. Christian Farrugia scored the consolation goal for the Rangers when the score was already 3-0.
The Spurs, on their part, were held to a 2-2 draw by SK Victoria Wanderers who opened the score with an Anthony Ewurum goal. Matthew Francalanza, however, levelled the score just before half-time.
Ewurum made it 2-1 soon after the restart but the Spurs saved the match with a Louis Galea equaliser.
Qala played two matches last week. They beat Gharb 7-3, opening a six-goal lead in the first half with goals from Charlie Attard (2), Mark Bonello (2), Mario Mifsud and Dennis Abela. After the break Qala scored their seventh goal through Mark Bonello, while Gharb scored three times through Twanny Farrugia (2) and John Frendo.
Qala, then, notched another point from a 1-1 draw with Oratory Youths.
Charlie Attard put Qala ahead three minutes from the break but Oratory levelled the score in the 59th minute through Andrew Zammit.
BoV Super Cup SFs: Zebbug vs Victoria H. 0-1; Ghajnsielem vs Nadur 5-2.