By Arnold Farrugia
It was a show of character from the Citizens who were aggressive throughout the whole game with Swieqi who, despite giving their all, had to leave empty handed from the Marsaxlokk Stadium. The goal that made all the difference for Valletta St Paul’s was scored by Hugo Vinicius whose header beat keeper Erick Vidal. The Brazilian players tried as much as they could to at least get a point from this match but their opponents held firm to win the match and eventually re-enter in the race for the final title. In fact they are only one point away from the same opponents with one game left to finish the first round. Referee: Sillah Al Hasana. Balluta Barracudas are now sharing the first place in the table with 11 points alongside Swieqi Braves as they shared the spoils against Marsa St Michael in a 1-1 scoreline. Marsa were winning this match but the Cudas never lost hope and managed to restore parity in the dying minutes of the game. Kieran Licari put Marsa St Michael ahead in the 52nd minute as Jamie Moss equalized for Balluta. Referee: Reno Galea. In the second division, Għaxaq Wolves maintained their positive march as they dominated and defeated Birkirkara St Joseph 7-2.
By the end of the first half, the score was already 4-0 with Sebastian Nayar, Dhonnattann and Diego Fernando Pereira producing a stunning performance. In fact, these three players scored a brace each with Waylon Spiteri adding another two minutes from the end of the match. Birkirkara had the satisfaction of scoring two consolation goals through Stefan Farrugia and Owen Dalli. With this victory, the Wolves have now opened up a lead of five points over the team in second place and nine points over the third. Referee: Jason Penza. In a drab encounter, Gudja Wanderers and Ta’ Giorni Wanderers ended in a 0-0 draw. It was a game where the defenders and goalkeepers were a better form than the respective attackers who, despite their efforts, could not find the net. For Ta’ Giorni this was a result that meant that they now moved away from the leaders Għaxaq by five points while with this point, Gudja climbed fourth in the table. Referee: Jonathan Balzan. Ħal Far Titans started the second round of the third division league in the best possible way after beating Kalkara Flames 2-1. It was not an easy game for the Titans who saw a timely reaction from the Flames who can consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with at least a point from this encounter. Kieran Brincau put Ħal Far Titans on top after 11 minutes of play so that Luke Cachia equalized in the 65th minute. Ħal Far kept believing to get the winning goal which came one minute from the end through Andrew Vella. Referee: Gjorgji Bitri.
Standings – MAFA FIRST DIVISION
Swieqi Braves, Balluta Barracudas 11, Valletta St Paul’s 10, San Ġiljan Saints 7, Senglea Gunners 6, Marsa St Michael 5, Valletta Stars 5, San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy 4
Standings – MAFA SECOND DIVISION
Għaxaq Wolves 16, Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers 11, Mqabba Albions 7, Gudja Wanderers 6, Birkirkara St Joseph, Attard Edex Kings 5, Buġibba Club de SWAT, Żebbuġ Youngsters 4.
Standings – MAFA THIRD DIVISION
Ħal Far Titans 13, Ħamrun Amateurs 8, Naxxar Victorians 5, Kalkara Flames 2, Mosta Vikings 1
