Floriana took sole leadership in the YoHealth Malta Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 win over Gżira United put them one point clear at the top of the Closing Round.
Ħamrun Spartans broke little sweat when they brushed aside Naxxar Lions, while Sliema Wanderers, Marsaxlokk, and Birkirkara secured important victories over Mosta, Żabbar SP, and Valletta respectively.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 21 by SportsDesk.
Gżira United FC (1 – 2) Floriana FC
The clash between Floriana and Gżira United turned out to be a nail-biter with the Greens coming out on top courtesy of a stoppage-time winner.
Maxuell Maia had given the Maroons the perfect start when putting them ahead in the first half.
But Floriana recovered their poise in the second half and Mustapha Jah levelled matters on 49 minutes.
When it looked as though the match would end in a 1-1 draw, Rui Areias netted the winner in the tenth minute of stoppage time.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (4 – 0) Naxxar Lions FC
Ħamrun Spartans scored two goals in each half to overcome Naxxar Lions 4-0.
Joseph Mbong stole the show for the champions when netting twice in the first half.
After the break, the Spartans went on to seal points as substitute Damir Ceter bagged a brace of his own and seal the points.
Birkirkara FC (1 – 0) Valletta FC
Paul Zammit bagged his second win as coach of Birkirkara when they overcame Valletta 1-0.
The Stripes produced a resilient display and could have taken the lead early in the second half when Steve Borg handled the ball inside the area.
But from the spot, Alessandro Coppola saw his shot saved by Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Maringa.
Still, Birkirkara were not to be denied as in the closing stages of the match, Stephan Makoma headed home the winner.
Żabbar St. Patrick FC (1 – 2) Marsaxlokk FC
Marsaxlokk were also victorious as they beat Żabbar SP 2-1.
Ailton Soares put the Southerners ahead before Leandro Aguirre doubled their lead with a spectacular strike.
Żabbar pulled a goal back through Youngwon Im just before the break, but could not find a leveller.
The result proved costly for coach Aniello Parisi, who was sacked from his job and replaced by Gilbert Agius.
Mosta FC (0 – 1) Sliema Wanderers FC
Sliema Wanderers needed a Gustavo Alcino first-half strike to overcome Mosta and keep themselves in the hunt for a Top 6 berth.
Hibernians FC (1 – 1) Tarxien FC
Hibernians and Tarxien took a point each following a 1-1 draw.
Matthew Debattista marked his debut with the Paolites with a goal in the first half.
But Tarxien fought back in the second half and secured a point courtesy of an own goal by Bjorn Kristensen.
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