Floriana preserved their one-point lead over rivals Ħamrun Spartans as the YoHelath Malta Premier Top Six got under way with the opening round of fixtures.
In the Bottom 6, Gżira United got off to a winning start, while Żabbar and Hibernians had to settle for a point.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 12 by SportsDesk.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (1 – 0) Valletta FC
Ħamrun Spartans prevailed in the top match of of the opening round of fixtures in the second phase when they beat Valletta 1-0.
Ognjen Bjelicic grabbed the all-important goal that kept the Spartans just behind Floriana.
Floriana FC (2 – 1) Marsaxlokk FC
On the other hand, Floriana battled hard before overcoming the challenge of Marsaxlokk 2-1.
Dunstan Vella put the Greens ahead, but Marsaxlokk were handed a way back into the match when Lucas Lopez inadvertently headed the ball into his own net.
But Floriana managed to regroup and Jake Grech set up Charles M’Mombwa who fired home the winner.
Sliema Wanderers FC (2 – 1) Birkirkara FC
Sliema Wanderers eased past Birkirkara 2-1 to join Valletta in third place.
It was Birkirkara who took the lead when Luis Cordova fired home from close in after just four minutes.
But Sliema fought back after the break and Roko Prsa pulled them level before Steve Pisani netted the all-important goal.
Gżira United FC (1 – 0) Mosta FC
Gżira United opened their Bottom 6 campaign with a 1-0 win over Mosta.
Jork Becerra netted the all-important goal for the Maroons with 15 minutes to go.
Hibernians FC (1 – 1) Naxxar Lions FC
Hibernians and Naxxar Lions took a point each in a 1-1 draw.
Lucas Villela put the Paolites ahead on 79 minutes but the Lions took just one minute to level matters courtesy of a goal from Alexandro Firmino.
Żabbar St. Patrick FC (2 – 2) Tarxien Rainbows FC
In the other Bottom 6 fixture, Żabbar St Patrick and Tarxien Rainbows played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Jake Micallef headed the Saints ahead but Tarxien turned the game in their favour with goals from Nhaysonn and Tiago Conceicao.
Żabbar, who had Brian Gambarted dismissed just before the break, rescued a point when Pedro Cejas netted the equaliser.
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