A goal by Rafael Ledesma was enough for Valletta St Paul’s to conquer the derby of the capital city as they saw off Valletta Stars St Dominic 1-0.
It was a well-fought match with the St Paul’s always getting the upperhand but with the Stars defending boldly, trying to keep their opponents at bay.
After a goalless draw in the first 35 minutes, the St Paul’s outfit continued to attack in search of goal and they found it on 54 minutes. Nikolay Filipov took a great freekick that found Lucas Mancuso who crossed to Rafael Ledesma who slotted home from short distance.
This result little changed in their standings with Senglea Gunners leaving the last place now occupied by Marsa St Michael and Valletta Stars St Dominic.
Referee: Alex Grech.
San Ġiljan Saints and Senglea Gunners fired blanks in a match which was characterized by the respective defences who managed to absorb their opponents attacks.
San Ġiljan had more of the possession throughout the game but failed to score with Senglea keeper Jurgen Cilia performing a string of good saves.
This result little changed in their standings with Senglea Gunners leaving the last place now occupied by Marsa St Michael and Valletta Stars St Dominic.
Referee: Alex Grech.
Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers failed to keep the pace with title rivals Għaxaq Wolves as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Attard Edex Kings. The latter managed to find the back of the net twice after finding it hard to do so in the last few matches.
Juan David Bautista Conde put Attard ahead after 22 minutes with Assan Jallow doubling the score eight minutes after.
In the second half, the Wanderers tried hard to get back into the game but it was difficult to go past the Edex Kings’ defence which was so strong.
Referee: Peter Abela.
In the battle of the basement, Buġibba Club de SWAT and Żebbuġ Youngsters finished their first round commitments with a 0-0 scoreline.
Both clubs didn’t find the way towards goal to register their third draw of the season although they still lie in the last spot of the table with six points alongside Birkirkara St Joseph.
Referee: Jean Pierre Mifsud.
In the MAFA Third Division, Ħal Far Titans left it late to beat Mosta Vikings 2-0 in a match played at the Qormi Ground. They have now opened a five-point advantage over their nearest rivals Ħamrun Amateurs.
Mosta were solid in defence for most of the matches and managed to control the Titans who were continuously attacking.
Luke Busuttil put Ħal Far ahead on the hour with Leon Delia rubberstamping their win ten minutes afterwards.
Referee: Jonathan Balzan.
Standings – MAFA First Division
Swieqi Braves 14, Valletta St Paul’s 13, Balluta Barracudas 11, San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy 10, San Ġiljan Saints 9, Senglea Gunners 7, Marsa St Michael, Valletta Stars 6.
Standings – MAFA Second Division
Għaxaq Wolves 19, Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers 11, Attard Edex Kings 9, Mqabba Albions 8, Gudja Wanderers 7, Birkirkara St Joseph 6, Żebbuġ Youngsters, Buġibba Club de SWAT 6.
Standings – MAFA Third Division
Ħal Far Titans 16, Ħamrun Amateurs 11, Naxxar Victorians 6, Kalkara Flames, Mosta Vikings 2
