Xghajra Tornados and Pembroke Athleta will battle for survival today in a decisive relegation play-off that will determine which club retains its place in Amateur League I next season.

The winner of the encounter will secure safety, while the losing side will be relegated to Amateur League II.

Both teams earned a second chance at survival after crucial victories in their final league matches last weekend.

Xghajra booked their place in the decider with an impressive 2-0 victory over Kirkop United at the Sirens Stadium.

In a tense relegation clash, coach Keith Darmanin saw his side produce a disciplined performance, inspired by winger Shaban Chikh Ali, who scored both goals in the first half.

Kirkop started brightly and tried to impose early pressure, but Xghajra’s defence remained solid. The Tornados nearly opened the scoring through Richmond Hanson, whose header from a corner was dramatically cleared off the line.

Xghajra eventually broke the deadlock on 21 minutes when Chikh Ali finished clinically past goalkeeper Miguel Falzon after being played through on goal.

The Tornados doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when a free-kick by Redheil Stivala found Chikh Ali unmarked inside the area, with the winger converting from close range.

Kirkop’s hopes faded further after substitute Miguel Zammit was sent off on the hour mark following a second yellow card. Xghajra comfortably controlled the remainder of the match and could have added a third late on through Larson Mallia.

The defeat condemned Kirkop United to relegation to Amateur League II.

Meanwhile, Pembroke kept their survival hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Senglea Athletic at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

Knowing only victory would be enough, Pembroke started aggressively and took the lead after 10 minutes when Brazilian forward Weverton converted a penalty awarded for handball inside the area.

Pembroke pushed for a second goal and came close midway through the first half, but Justin Tonna denied Lucas Gomes from close range before Weverton fired the rebound wide.

Senglea enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to create clear opportunities, with a header by Jack Zammit representing their best opening before half-time.

The decisive second goal arrived on 68 minutes when Malcolm Vella-Vidal volleyed home brilliantly after a setup by Kyle Sciberras-Balbi.

The victory ensured Pembroke would once again face a relegation decider, two years after surviving in dramatic fashion against St George’s via penalties.

Today’s clash is expected to be another tense affair, with both teams fully aware of the high stakes as they fight to preserve their Amateur League I status.