Mqabba FC returned to the summit of the table with a convincing 3-0 victory over Pembroke, continuing their strong run of form. After Attard’s win the previous day had drawn them level on points, Mqabba were determined to respond, while Pembroke also arrived in good spirits hoping to extend their positive momentum.

Mqabba made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Immy Micallef. They doubled their advantage on 32 minutes when Andrés Tenorio produced a fine individual effort that took a deflection on its way into the net, leaving Pembroke struggling to respond. The match took a dramatic turn shortly before the break when Mqabba were reduced to ten men, Jeremy Busuttil seeing red with a straight dismissal on 39 minutes.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mqabba remained in control. Six minutes into the second half, Luka Mijic converted a penalty to effectively seal the points. From then on, the tempo dropped, with Mqabba managing the game comfortably to secure the win and draw level with Attard once again at the top of the standings.

Lija return to winning ways

In the second match of the evening at the Luxol Stadium, Lija Athletic claimed a narrow but valuable 1-0 win over Xgħajra Tornados in a contest between two sides eager to kick-start their campaigns.

The opening half hour was a tight, cautious affair, with play largely confined to midfield and few clear-cut chances for either team. The second half brought more urgency, although the breakthrough took time to arrive. Xgħajra thought they had taken the lead on 65 minutes when Larsen Mallia found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on a Lija defender.

Just two minutes later, Lija struck decisively. Alejandro Ruiz Uribe capitalised on hesitation in the Xgħajra defence, unleashing an excellent strike to put his side ahead. Lija came close to doubling their advantage on 78 minutes when Uribe found himself unmarked in the box but surprisingly fired wide. Xgħajra also had a late chance to snatch an equaliser on 83 minutes, yet Mallia’s header from a corner drifted narrowly wide, allowing Lija to hold on for all three points.