Nadur Youngsters were the only side to register a win in Match Day 7 of the GFA Division One last weekend and have now moved two points clear at the top of the standings.
The result assured the Gozitan champions to finish the first round in first place even though there is still one match to be played between Victoria Hotspurs and Kerċem Ajax.
The Youngsters beat Sannat Lions 2-1 in a match they dominated from start to finish. Their only blemish was their inability to put the result beyond their opponents’ reach despite creating several scoring opportunities.
Nadur surged into a two-goal lead midway through the first half courtesy of a direct free-kick from Marcelo Barbosa, on 33 minutes, and a Predrag Djordjevic header three minutes later.
The Youngsters could have further extended their advantage through efforts by Barbosa, Djordjevic and Igor Nedeljkovic.
Sannat pulled a goal back just past the hour mark through Camilo Andres Sanchez Gonzales but Nadur managed to control their lead until the end.
The main match of the weekend saw Għajnsielem sharing the spoils with Kerċem Ajax following a goalless draw, with both sides losing ground on the league leaders.
Both Għajnsielem and Kerċem had regular players missing due to injury and suspension. The match was evenly balanced with scoring chances few and far between.
With this result, Kerċem remain the only undefeated side in the top flight while Għajnsielem are six points away from the top of the table.
Qala Saints were held to a goalless draw by Xewkija Tigers and missed out on the chance of joining Nadur Youngsters at the top of the standings.
Qala were the better side for much of the match.
The Maroons could have opened the score just before half time when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Dejan Bogdanovic on Rafael Conrado Prudente. But the latter saw his shot from the spot saved by goalkeeper Nikola Kosanin.
The same striker was unlucky just after the resumption as his header was stopped by the crossbar with the Xewkija goalkeeper beaten.
Xewkija went closest to obtain the win towards the end of the match when a free-kick from Damir Andelovic was somehow kept out by Qala keeper Mattia Zammit with the aid of the crossbar.
The derby match between Victoria Hotspurs and Oratory Youths ended in a 2-2 draw.
With the point gained, Oratory have now moved level on points with Sannat Lions while the Hotspurs remained bottom with two points.
Oratory took the lead on 23 minutes courtesy of a header by James Tabone following a corner action.
But the Hotspurs had a strong reaction after the break and turned the result in their favour through a brace by Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes (55, 66).
Oratory Youths, however, saved the result by scoring the equaliser on 74 minutes through a tap-in by substitute Neil Said.
GFA Division Two
Xagħra United obtained a 1-0 win over SK Victoria Wanderers in the first match from the GFA Division Two.
This match was a direct clash between two teams who look favourites to challenge for promotion.
Xagħra were in a better shape and deserved the win which matured through a goal scored by Fabian John Xuereb. on 36 minutes
In the other match from the lower category, Għarb Rangers and Munxar Falcons earned a point each following a 2-2 draw. The match was balanced and the win could have gone either way.
Għarb opened the score on 14 minutes through Christian Cardona but Munxar had a good reaction and turned the result in their favour with goals scored by Henry Fabian Solis (28) and Kenneth Mizzi (73).
Għarb Rangers saved the result by scoring the equaliser from a penalty converted by Joao Pedro Soares De Souza on 82 minutes.
