Mqabba FC climbed to the summit of the BOV National Amateur League I standings on Saturday after securing a vital 2-1 victory over struggling Senglea Athletic in the early kick-off at the Sirens Stadium. The win moves Mqabba two points clear of former joint-leaders Attard, who suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to neighbours Lija Athletic.

Mqabba FC 2-1 Senglea Athletic

Senglea, searching for points to move away from the bottom of the table, started positively and were desperately unlucky not to take the lead just before halftime when Jack Zammit’s point-blank shot cannoned off the post.

Despite Senglea’s numerous chances early in the second half, it was Mqabba who broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. A cross from Tenorio found Saturday Nananpere, who finished from close range. Luka Mijic doubled Mqabba’s lead with an excellent header in the 77th minute. Senglea set up a tense finish when Matthew Cassar was felled in the box, and veteran Keith Muscat converted the penalty six minutes from time, but Mqabba held on for the win.

San Ġwann 2-1 Żejtun Corinthians

In the day’s second clash at the Sirens Stadium, San Ġwann defeated Żejtun Corinthians 2-1. Denilson Borg put San Ġwann ahead with a header on 20 minutes. Żejtun equalized right at the start of the second half through a deflected effort by Matthew Farrugia. San Ġwann regained the lead in the 72nd minute with a powerful shot from Matteo Vella, securing the points to move them further up the mid-table pack.

Around the Grounds

Lija Athletic 4-1 Attard
Attard suffered their second consecutive defeat in a derby loss to Lija Athletic at the Centenary Stadium. Goals from Ross McParland (7′, 70′), Omar Khatib (38′), and Leon Muscat (60′) secured the emphatic win for Lija. Lydon Cuschieri scored a consolation goal for Attard on 79 minutes.

Pembroke Athleta 2-1 Mellieħa
Pembroke Athleta came from behind to beat Mellieħa at the Charles Abela Stadium. Alex Sander gave Mellieħa the lead in the 55th minute, but goals from Kyle Sciberras Balbi (63′) and Weverton (75′) sealed the comeback win for Pembroke.

Qrendi 0-0 Kirkop United
Qrendi and Kirkop United shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Centenary Stadium.

League Standings