Floriana and Valletta FC were the biggest winners of MatchDay 9 of the YoHealth Malta Premier League after winning their encounters and secure their place in the Top Six.
The last two round of matches of the Opening Round is set to provide a frantic five with five teams, Ħamrun Spartans, Sliema Wanderers, Hibernians, Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara will be battling for the remaining four spots after failing to record a win last weekend.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 9 by SportsDesk.
Floriana FC (2 – 0) Birkirkara FC
Floriana were the protagonists once more as they scored a goal in each half to see off Birkirkara 2-0.
Mustapha Jah handed the Greens an early lead but Birkirkara’s response failed to arrive and Floriana went on to seal the points with a second goal scored by Mattia Veselji.
The win lifted Floriana on 22 points, one clear of Valletta.
Valletta FC (1 – 0) Hibernians FC
The Citizens preserved their unbeaten record when they had the better of Hibernians 1-0.
Thaylor Aldama was the Citizens’ match-winner with an opportunistic strike that kept the Citizens just behind their fierce rivals.
Naxxar Lions FC (1 – 1) Ħamrun Spartans FC
Ħamrun Spartans failed to sparkle as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Naxxar Lions.
Saliou Thioune fired the Spartans ahead on 14 minutes, but Naxxar took just four minutes to level matters through Edouard Bolanos.
Sliema Wanderers FC (1 – 1) Marsaxlok FC
Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk also took a point each following a 1-1 draw.
Sulahmana Bah put Sliema Wanderers ahead but Marsaxlokk fought back in the second half and they deservedly drew level through Dodo.
Gżira United FC (3 – 1) Tarxien Rainbows FC
Gżira United maintained their winning run when they had the better of Tarxien Rainbows 3-1.
The Maroons suffered a blow when Rafael Tavares was sent off after he was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball off the line even though TV replays suggested otherwise.
From the resultant penalty, Gabriel Mentz fired Gżira United ahead.
Andre Pena Da Costa double Gżira’s lead but Tarxien kept fighting and managed to pull a goal back through William Salomao.
But the Maroons had the final say with Pena Da Costa adding a third goal.
Mosta FC (1 – 1) Żabbar St. Patrick FC
In the other clash, Mosta and Żabbar St. Patrick ended their clash in a 1-1 draw.
Zean Leonardi put Żabbar ahead but Mosta fought back to save the match with a penalty converted by Leo Fernandes.
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