Marsa St Michael a win away from Div 1 title
Marsa St Michael are one vic‐ tory away from winning the MAFA First Division champi‐ onship after beating Balluta Bar‐ racudas 2‐1.
The Red/Blues took advantage of the goalless draw in the match between Valletta St Paul's and Swieqi Braves so that with these three points they managed to leapfrog both teams with one game left to go.
Marsa made their intentions clear from the start and went ahead in the fourth minute through Yessous Camilleri.
On 15 minutes, Marsa St Michael doubled the score through Lamin Jaiteh.
In the second half, Balluta adopted more pressure to equal‐ ize the score but could only score one goal through Jake Chetcuti.
Now Marsa play the decisive game against Swieqi Braves and if they win they will be declared champions.
Referee: Gjergji Bitri.
In the main match of match day 13, Valletta St Paul's and Swieqi Braves ended their confronta‐ tion in a 0‐0 draw.
Despite the goalless score, the game was highly contested with both sides creating several goal scoring chances.
In the end the two goalkeepers Leighton Mifsud of Valletta St Paul's and Erick Vital of Swieqi Braves along with their fellow defenders were able to keep their net untouched.
Despite everything, this draw did not satisfy either teams as they were overtaken by Marsa St Michael.
Referee: Andrea Naudi.
In the second division champi‐ onship, Għaxaq Wolves were given a 2‐0 walk‐over against
Birkirkara St Joseph. The latter, in addition to already being rele‐ gated to the third division, were removed from this league after the second walk‐over they con‐ ceded.
Ta' Ġiorni Wanderers contin‐ ued in their fight for promotion after a minimal but precious 1‐0 win against Gudja Wanderers.
The most important goal was scored by Thomas Debono five minutes from the start of the sec‐ ond half.
With this victory, Ta' Giorni momentarily surpassed Mqabba Albions and Attard Edex Kings in second place in the standings, al‐ though with a game more.
On Gudja's side, they have not yet completely escaped the wor‐ ries of relegation.
Referee was Jean Pierre Mifsud. In the third division, leaders Hamrun Amateurs were held in a goalless draw against Naxxar Victorians.
The Amateurs, who are already guaranteed promotion, played their typical game but found the Naxxar side very solid in defense.
On the other hand the Victori‐ ans are finding it hard in the of‐ fensive department as they also failed to score any goals. Referee: Reno Galea.
Kalkara Flames strengthened their third place in the table after easily defeating bottom team Mosta Vikings AFC 5‐0.
The Kalkara side had clear in‐ tentions from the start so much so that they went ahead after just one minute through Christian At‐ tard, with Neil Sammut who dou‐ bled in the 20th minute and with Russell Caruana scoring twice before the end of the first half.
In the second half, Shylon Man‐ gion sealed the victory for his team.
Referee: Jean Pierre Sammut.
STANDINGS – MAFA FIRST DIVISION
Marsa St Michael 24, Swieqi Braves, Valletta St Paul's 23, San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy 19, Balluta Barracudas 16, San Ġiljan Saints 15, Senglea Gunners 11, Valletta Stars 7.
STANDINGS – MAFA SECOND DIVISION
Għaxaq Wolves 34, Ta' Ġiorni Wanderers 20, Attard Edex Kings , Mqabba Albions 19, Gudja Wanderers 14, Żebbuġ Young‐ sters 12, Buġibba Club de SWAT 10, Birkirkara St Joseph 1.
STANDINGS – MAFA THIRD DIVISION
Ħamrun Amateurs 22, Ħal Far Titans 19, Kalkara Flames 17, Naxxar Victorians 11, Mosta Vikings 0