Pembroke Athleta retained their place in Amateur League I after edging past Xghajra Tornados 1-0 in a tense relegation decider at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

It marked another dramatic survival story for Pembroke, who also preserved their third-tier status through a relegation decider two years ago.

The encounter was evenly balanced throughout, with few clear-cut opportunities as both sides struggled to take control.

Xghajra threatened first on 16 minutes when a fine pass by Richmond Hanson released Cedric Zahra, but goalkeeper Clayton Rapa produced a crucial block.

Shaban Chikh Ali then fired narrowly wide before Raylon Paisley saw another effort sail just over the crossbar as Xghajra increased the pressure.

Pembroke’s first opening arrived on 32 minutes when a free-kick from Kyle Sciberras-Balbi drifted just over.

The Reds looked more threatening after the interval, with Felix de Melo firing over from close range before Sciberras-Balbi tested the defence again with a powerful effort from distance.

Weverton then came close for Pembroke on 63 minutes with a shot that drifted narrowly wide.

The decisive moment arrived two minutes later when Gomes Weverton broke clear of his marker before rifling the ball into the roof of the net to spark celebrations among the Pembroke supporters.

Xghajra almost responded immediately as Paisley struck the post with a powerful effort.

Pembroke nearly wrapped up the victory late on when Malcolm Vella Vidal saw his header brilliantly saved by Saliba.

Despite a late push from Xghajra, Pembroke held firm to secure survival and condemn the Tornados to relegation to Amateur League II.