Żebbuġ Youngsters close to promotion
Żebbuġ Youngsters moved a step closer to promotion after seeing off Żejtun Laċċi 4-1 as another round of matches was played from the MAFA Second Division.
On the other hand, San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy had to sweat more than usual to win the tough challenge against Mosta Vikings while Balluta Barracudas and Mqabba Albions helped themselves with handsome wins to keep their place in the top part of the table.
Żebbuġ obtained their 11th win of the season after seeing off Żejtun Laċċi 4-1.
The latter gave their all against their more quoted opponents but they were still on the losing end.
This defeat also complicates their second division status as they are now very near of being relegated having gained only one point from 12 matches.
Żebbuġ had clear ideas as from the start and in no time they surged ahead through Leonardo da Silva Rodriguez.
The Żejtun side restored parity through Norman Hill but Żebbuġ scored again 15 minutes from the break through Fared Mras.
In the second half, Żebbuġ Youngsters went on the offensive to secure their victory and they managed to score two beautiful goals courtesy of Jason Woodhead and Fared Mras.
Referee: Lorry Sammut
San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy managed to break Mosta Vikings' hearts as they secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
It wasn't an easy match for the French students as they dominated possession but found their opponents in no mood of given any favours.
Despite all this, San Ġwann scored the most important goal thanks to Raphael Courroux who found the back of the net on 65 minutes.
Referee: Joe Camilleri
Balluta Barracudas edged Fgura Spartans 1-0 to keep their promotion hopes alive.
The all-important goal that gave the Cudas the three points was scored two minutes from normal time through Matthew Tortell who beat the Spartans goalkeeper.
Referee: Reno Galea
Mqabba Albions returned to winning ways as they saw off Naxxar Victorians 2-1.
The Albions were motivated to get the three points at stake as they surged forward in search of goal and managed to find two quickfire goals through Amadeo Brincat and Miguel Grima.
In the second half, the Victorians produced a reaction on 42 minutes as the referee awarded them with a penalty scored by Fabrizio Farrugia.
The latter tried to adopt an aggressive approach in search of the equalizer but found the Mqabba rearguard in fine form and ready to absorb their opponents attacks.
Referee: Georgi Bitri
In the MAFA Third Division, Gudja Wanderers confirmed their great moment as they edged Birkirkara St Joseph 2-1. This win helped the Wanderers to leapfrog their same opponents in the table.
Owen Amato put Gudja in fromt with Neil Baldacchino doubling the score ten minutes into the second half.
Birkirkara St Joseph reduced the arrears through Miguel Grech.
Referee: Peter Abela
STANDINGS –
MAFA SECOND DIVISION
Żebbuġ Youngsters 33, San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy 30,Balluta Barracudas 27, Mqabba Albions 25, Naxxar Victorians 12, Fgura Spartans, Mosta Vikings 6, Żejtun Laċċi 1
STANDINGS –
MAFA THIRD DIVISION
Swieqi Braves 21, Ta' Ġiorni Wanderers, Żabbar Southsiders 17, Floriana Fsobians 13, Gudja Wanderers 9, Birkirkara St Joseph 6, Ħal Far Sparks 4