Balzan were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Santa Lucia in a BOV Challenge League encounter played at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.

Nicholas Pulis broke the deadlock for Balzan on 65 minutes, but Santa Lucia snatched a late equaliser when Matthias Vella found the net four minutes from time to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Fgura United climbed to second place in the standings after recording a convincing 4–1 victory over Żurrieq, also at the Centenary Stadium. Samuel Buhagiar opened the scoring on 11 minutes before Timilehin Caleb Akande doubled the lead from the penalty spot on 26 minutes. Żurrieq briefly threatened a comeback when Jhoel Sarraude reduced the deficit two minutes into the second half, but Buhagiar restored Fgura’s two-goal cushion on 54 minutes, with Dylan Caruana sealing the win ten minutes from the end.

At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Gudja United secured a comfortable 3–0 win over Mtarfa. Haruna Shola Shodiya put Gudja ahead from the penalty spot on 15 minutes, Brandon Muscat added a second on 39 minutes, and Donys Quintero converted another penalty on 61 minutes to complete the scoring.

In the other match at the same venue, Vittoriosa Stars cruised to a 4–0 success against Żebbuġ Rangers. Adrian Caruana opened the scoring on 28 minutes, Samuel Boakye struck early in the second half, an own goal extended the lead on 67 minutes, and Aidan Agius Gilford wrapped up an emphatic win just two minutes later.

Balzan continue to lead the table on 23 points, with Fgura United and Birżebbuġa close behind on 21. Melita follow on 19 points, while Gudja United and St Andrews are next on 16.