In a dominant display at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Zurrieq secured a vital three points against Santa Lucia in the only Challenge League clash of the day. The emphatic victory helps Zurrieq climb the table standings.

Santa Lucia created the first meaningful opportunity after 14 minutes when Sean Gatt embarked on a probing run, forcing a good save from Zurrieq goalkeeper Jurgen Borg.

The match remained goalless until just after the break. A minute after Christopher Farrugia in the Santa Lucia goal saved a header from Johnathan Monney, the Canadian striker found the net, opening the scoring for Zurrieq in the 49th minute with a fine header.

Zurrieq began to dominate proceedings, relentlessly creating chances. Monney had another shot miraculously blocked by the Santa Lucia defence and was desperately unlucky on 63 minutes when his effort cannoned off the post. Just a minute later, the irrepressible Monney forced another fine save from Farrugia.

The floodgates opened in the final twenty minutes. Zurrieq were awarded a penalty on 70 minutes, which Adrian Sarraude coolly converted to make it 2-0. Monney completed his brace with another fine effort on 77 minutes for 3-0. The fourth goal came just a minute later in unfortunate circumstances for Santa Lucia, as Andrej Kirovski turned the ball into his own net.

Elsewhere in the Challenge League

In a separate fixture at the Centenary Stadium, Gudja United secured a narrow win over Vittoriosa Stars, thanks to a goal by Donys Quintero eight minutes into the second half.

These results affect the league standings: Melita and Balzan lead the way with 16 points, followed by Birzebbuga and Fgura on 15. Pieta’, Mgarr, Sirens, and Swieqi all sit on 13 points, with Gudja and St. Andrews on 10, Zurrieq on 9, Santa Lucia on 8, Vittoriosa on 6, Marsa on 3, Zebbug on 1, and Mtarfa at the bottom with -6.