The 360 Sports Malta Premier Closing Round has a new leader as Marsaxlokk profited from Ħamrun Spartans’ mini slip-up against Birkirkara to climb to the top of the standings after a comfortable 3-0 win over Balzan.
Ħamrun Spartans were forced to settle for a goalless draw for a second successive match this time against title rivals Birkirkara while Floriana were back to winning ways after a hard-fought 1-0 defeat of Żabbar St Patrick.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 20 by SportsDesk.
Balzan FC (0 – 3) Marsaxlokk FC
Marsaxlokk were the side to gain the most following last weekend’s matches as the Southerners backed their third successive win with a 3-0 victory over a struggling Balzan side.
Yuri Messias turned out to be Marsaxlokk’s hero as the speedy forward grabbed a brace.
Alex De Aguiar continued his hot scoring form when adding a third goal to lift his team at the top of the standings.
It was a disappointing outcome for Balzan who missed a second penalty thorugh Udo Akpan.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (0 – 0) Birkirkara FC
Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara gave life to an abrasive duel at the Tony Bezzina Stadium but neither side could find a breakthrough as the match ended in a goalless draw.
It was a frustrating results for both teams as while the Spartans lost top spot, Birkirkara registered their third successive draw.
Sliema Wanderers FC (2 – 3) Hibernians FC
Hibernians produced a very impressive performance as they outlasted Sliema Wanderers 3-2.
The Paolites were a shadow of the team that were beaten by Marsaxlokk the previous week as they secured three important points in their quest of a Top Six berth.
Lucas Villela put Hibernians ahead but Sliema fought back and Vito Plut pulled the Wanderers level.
Apostolos Martinis restored Hibernians’ advantage before Kevin Fraga made it 3-1 early in the second half.
Maksym Pryadum pulled a goal back for Sliema but the Blues could not avoid a second damaging defeat in the Closing Round.
Floriana FC (1 – 0) Żabbar St. Patrick FC
Floriana needed an early goal from Jork Becerra to overcome the challenge of Żabbar St Patrick.
However, the Greens had to fend off the stirring fightback from the Saints who piled up the pressure late in the second half but was not to be as Floriana held on for the win.
Mosta FC (1 – 0) Naxxar Lions FC
Mosta took bragging rights against neighbouring rivals Naxxar Lions as the Blues secured a 1-0 win.
Joshua Agyemang netted the all-important goal that handed Mosta their second win in the Closing Round.
Gżira United FC (2 – 2) Melita FC
Gżira United needed two second-half goals to rescue a point against Melita.
The newly-promoted side raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of Henrique Motta and Camilo Sanchez.
But the Maroons fought back after the break and first Nikola Disic pulled a goal back before Luis Riascos pull them level.
Both teams ended the match with ten men, as Melita’s Gareth Barone and Disic were both shown the red card.
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