Melita and Żabbar St Patrick promoted to the Premier League

Żabbar St Patrick overcame the challenge of Marsa 2-0 at the Tedesco Stadium to seal promotion to next season’s BOV Premier League alongside fellow leaders Melita with four matches to spare.

Before this weekend’s programme of fixtures, both Melita and Żabbar St Patrick were holding a commanding ten-point lead over third-placed Senglea Athletic and were aware that should they both won their respective fixtures they would secure their berth in the Premier League next season.

On Saturday, Melita did their part when they beat Senglea Athletic 1-0, courtesy of a 69th-minute goal from Matthew Portelli.

On Sunday, it was the turn of Żabbar St Patrick to finish the job and the Yellow-Blacks were not to be denied as they eased to a 2-0 win over Marsa.

The Saints grabbed the goals inside the first 41 minutes when Ezequiel Eduardo Ruiz put them ahead from the penalty spot and then Leonardo Agius added a second four minutes from the half-time interval.

With these results, Melita and Żabbar St Patrick sealed promotion as they now lead the way on 47 points, and an unassailable 13-point lead over third-placed Senglea Athletic with four matches to spare.

Melita and Żabbar St Patrick dominated the second-tier of Maltese football this season with the two teams holding a top position throughout the whole season. During the top six campaign, they were a cut above their opponents.

The two sides won practically all their matches except their direct clash which ended in a 1-1 draw, to rubberstamp their superiority in the division.

Melita and Żabbar are likely to play for the title of division champions when they meet for the second time on April 13.