Sliema Wanderers began their Closing Round campaign on a positive note after edging past Żabbar St Patrick at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

The decisive moment came courtesy of Roko Prsa, whose moment of individual brilliance proved enough to secure all three points and provide a timely confidence boost for a Sliema side eager to make amends after an underwhelming Opening Round.

Żabbar showed determination and organisation, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge required to trouble their more experienced opponents, with improvement needed if they are to seriously challenge for a Top Six place.

As anticipated, Sliema controlled much of the opening period, dictating the tempo while Żabbar sat deep and looked to threaten on the counter. Luke Montebello was particularly lively early on and went close after 15 minutes when his low drive from the right narrowly missed the target. Moments later, Montebello turned provider, picking out the advancing Prsa, who headed over from close range.

The match then settled into a quieter rhythm, with both sides cancelling each other out and clear chances proving scarce. The next real opportunity arrived shortly before the break, when Wescley surged forward and tested Żabbar goalkeeper Colombo with a low effort that was safely gathered.

After the restart, Sliema continued to apply pressure and were denied on 59 minutes when Colombo reacted sharply to tip Sulahmana Bah’s rising shot over the bar. Żabbar were dealt a blow on the hour mark when Mayron was forced off injured, making way for Nicholas Agius.

With time ticking away, Sliema required a spark to break the deadlock, and it arrived in the 71st minute. Vito Plut threaded a pass into the area for Prsa, who struck a clever cross-shot that caught Colombo off guard, ricocheted off the upright, and found its way into the net.

That goal proved decisive, allowing Sliema Wanderers to see out the match and kick-start their Closing Round with a valuable victory.