Marsa St Michael a step closer to qualification

Marsa St Michael and Senglea Gunners went a step closer to qualify for the second phase of the MAFA Special League as they edged their opponents in their respective encounters.

Even Balzan Youths AFC obtained their first win of the season in style as a super goal by Chris Farrugia gave them the three points at stake.

In Group A, Senglea Gunners gathered their second consecutive win as they saw off Balluta Barracudas 2-1 in an evenly contested match.

The Cottonera side established a double advantage in the first 40 minutes of the game courtesy of a Arnando Hussine's double.

The Cudas refused to throw in the towel and a goal by Alec Sladden kept them in the game.

The final minutes were all for Balluta who pushed forward in search of the draw. Despite all this, the Senglea rearguard absorbed well their opponents' continuous attacks to get the most important points.

Referee: Joe Camilleri.

A goal at the death by Chris Farrugia gave Balzan Youths AFC an important win against Naxxar Victorians in a match from Group B. This was the first win for the Youths who had Andrew Anthony Agius in his second match at the helm of the team.

Balzan established a 2-0 advantage through Danjel Grima and Shaun Matintela but a goal by Gonzalo Bueno before halftime, kept Naxxar in the match.

In the second half, Bueno completed a personal brace after scoring a great goal from the edge of the box to restore parity.

As the match was destined to a 2-2 scoreline, in came substitute Chris Farrugia who scored a super goal to leave Naxxar's keeper stunned.

Referee: Slobodan Rangelov

Marsa St Michael lead the Group C table as they edged Żebbuġ Youngsters 2-1. The latter suffered their first defeat of the season after the victory against Valletta St Pauls and the stalemate against Mosta Vikings.

On the other hand, Marsa returned to winning ways after their last defeat against Valletta St Pauls.

Marsa took only 4 minutes to go ahead through David Azzopardi with Carlos Da Silva doubling the score in the second half.

Żebbuġ pulled one back through Bojan Trajceski. After this goal, they went forward in search of the equalizer but the Marsa defence was exceptional as they were not in the mood to concede any goals.

Referee: Gordon Barbara

STANDINGS – Group A

Versity AFC, Senglea Gunners 6 Żurrieq Sunrise, Balluta Barracudas 3, Fgura Spartans 0

STANDINGS – Group B

Valletta Stars 6, Balzan Youths 4, San Ġiljan Saints, Naxxar Victorians 3, Ta' Xbiex St Helen 1

STANDINGS – Group C

Marsa St Michael 6, Żebbuġ Youngsters, Mosta Vikings 4, Valletta St Pauls 3, Żejtun Laċċi 0