The opening phase of the Closing Round provided an explosive finale as the six teams that will be playing in the Top Six were determined during the Gozo Weekender at the Gozo Stadium.
Sliema Wanderers, Marsaxlokk, Mosta and Ħamrun Spartans all assured themselves of a place in the Top Six while Hibernians failed to make the cut after being dislodged by the Spartans on the basis of their head-to-head record.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 27 by SportsDesk.
Sliema Wanderers FC (2 – 1) Birkirkara FC
Sliema Wanderers secured the biggest win of the weekend when they stunned leaders Birkirkara 2-1.
Ghana midfielder Simon Zibo turned out to be the protagonist for the Wanderers after scoring a goal in each half to help his team secure a crucial victory.
Paul Mbong had temporarily levelled matters for Birkirkara but Stefano De Angelis’ men came up short on the day as the Blues moved into the Top Six.
Żabbar St. Patrick FC (1 – 2) Mosta FC
Mosta and Żabbar St Patrick gave life to the most exciting match of the weekend as the Blues squeezed into the Top Six with a 2-1 win.
Żabbar St Patrick looked to be on course for a crucial victory when Diogo Tavares put them ahead.
But when it looked as though the Saints would hold on for the win, Mosta turned the game on its head with two goals in stoppage time scored by Matthew Bolanos and Chris Okereke.
The match was marred by ugly scenes as scuffles broke out on the pitch between officials and players from Mosta and Żabbar St Patrick with the police struggling to bring back order.
Melita FC (0 – 5) Marsaxlokk FC
Marsaxlokk found little difficult to see off the challenge of Melita 5-0.
Yuri Messias put Marsaxlokk on their way when he netted two goals either side of half-time, with the second coming from the penalty spot.
Alex De Aguiar added a third goal before Nikola Muscat made it 4-0.
Melita were reduced to ten men when Gareth Barone saw red and the southerners went on to add a fifth through Leandro Aguirre.
Floriana FC (1 – 1) Hibernians FC
Hibernians failed to secure what would have been a crucial victory over Floriana after they were held to a 1-1 draw.
Floriana took the lead after seven minutes courtesy of a Franklin Sasere goal.
The Paolites fought back and managed to draw level on 78 minutes through Bjorn Kristensen. However, they could not find a second goal and had to settle for a point.
Ħamrun Spartans (4 – 0) Naxxar Lions FC
This result opened the way for Ħamrun Spartans to move into the Top Six with a victory over Naxxar Lions.
The Spartans duly capitalised as three-first half goals put them on their way.
Ħamrun took the lead after eight minutes courtesy of an own goal by Neil Pace Cocks.
The gutsy winds then played a major part in the Spartans next two goals as goalkeeper Henry Bonello scored an extraordinary second goal when his kick from his own box flew past a stunned Naxxar goalkeeper Andre Fenech.
Then Roko Prsa grabbed a third when he scored directly from a corner kick.
Raphael Lopes Silva scored the Spartans fourth goal in the second half after capitalising from an error by Maicon.
Gżira United FC (0 – 0) Balzan FC
In the other match of the weekend, Gżira United and Balzan cancelled each other in a goalless draw.
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