Floriana and Gżira United preserved their 100 per cent record in the YoHealth Malta Premier League Closing Round after securing victories last weekend.
Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta fired blanks in their direct clash while Hibernians produced a stirring fightback to overcome Sliema Wanderers.
Floriana had to come from behind to preserve their 100 per cent record in the Closing Round, winning 2-1 over Mosta.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 18 by SportsDesk.
Floriana FC (2 – 1) Mosta FC
Mosta stunned the Greens with an opening goal after 27 seconds when Cheikh Diamanca played Prince Chubizor through, and the Nigerian kept his poise to lob the ball over the onrushing Cioletti and put his team ahead.
Floriana drew level on 18 minutes as Federico Varela, despite being in an angled spot just outside the area, hit a curling drive that flew into the top corner of the net with Akpan beaten.
The Greens netted the winner early in the second half when Jake Grech hit a thumping drive that gave Akpan no chance.
Gżira United FC (2 – 0) Birkirkara FC
Gżira United made it two wins out of two in the Closing Round as they overcame Birkirkara in the rearranged fixture at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The match was initially scheduled to be played on Friday but was postponed to Sunday due to a technical issue with one of the goalposts at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
Birkirkara dominated proceedings but could not find a breakthrough.
On 70 minutes, the game changed completely when Francisco Lopez was shown a straight card for a violent challenge on Andrew Borg.
Gżira made the most of their numerical advantage as two minutes later they stormed ahead when Bonilla Calderon hit a fine curler from a free-kick that flew into the net.
The Maroons sealed the points in stoppage time with a second goal scored by new signing Stasa Basic.
Marsaxlokk FC (2 – 1) Tarxien Rainbows FC
Marsaxlokk clinched their first win in the Closing Round as a late goal from Oualid El Hasni earned them a 2-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows.
The Southerners were desperate to take all three points after a disappointing start to the second phase, which saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat to Gżira United.
Vincenza Potenza’s troops were off to a bright start as they managed to take the lead after only 15 minutes of play.
Ulises Arias was the architect, delivering a fine pass towards Dodo Soares, who adjusted his body to perfection and fired past Tarxien goalkeeper Andrea Cassar.
Marsaxlokk failed to grab a second goal and they were punished by the Rainbows who drew level on
However, a minute later, Nhaysson connected to Da Silva Barbosa’s cross and his firm header flew past Calleja Cremona and into the net.
But it was Marsaxlokk who grabbed the winner when Enrico Pepe was unlucky to see his header hit the upright, but El Hasni was the fastest to react and fire home to hand Marsaxlokk a crucial win.
Valletta FC (0 – 0) Ħamrun Spartans FC
Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta fired blanks in a goalless draw at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
It was a game with very few chances, with Valletta almost winning it late on when Yuri Messias’ overhead kick was pushed away by Celio.
Sliema Wanderers FC (1 – 3) Hibernians FC
Hibernians produced a strong second-half comeback as they came from a goal down to see off Sliema Wanderers 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
It was Sliema who started brightly, as they completely dominated the match even though they failed to create a lot of openings despite their superiority.
Sliema’s breakthrough arrived on 25 minutes when Aliou Diakite was adjudged to have upended Thiago Espindola inside the area with referee Glen Tonna pointing to the spot.
Luke Montebello stepped up to fire home for his first league goal of the season.
Hibs were rattled, but they managed to level matters just before half-time. Bjorn Kristensen found Mailson, whose backheel set up Miullen, who fired past Al Tumi.
The goal gave more belief to Hibs, who completed the comeback on 52 minutes. Kevin Halabaku’s throughball sent Cleiton clear, and the Brazilian rounded Al Tumi to fire home.
Sliema were stunned and six minutes later, Wescley lost his balance in midfield and Nunes Silva immediately profited to send another fine throughball towards Miullen, who dribbled past Al Tumi and fired home.
Stefan Djuric capped a miserable day for the Wanderers in stoppage time when he was shown a second yellow card and was dismissed.
Naxxar Lions FC (2 – 1) Żabbar St. Patrick FC
Naxxar Lions clinched their first win in the Closing Round following a 2-1 win over Żabbar St Patrick.
Pedro Cejas put Żabbar ahead after 50 minutes.
But Naxxar turned the game around as goals from Vitinho on 66 minutes and Vinicius Baiano, 13 minutes later, earned them the win.
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