Sta Lucia are relegated to the BOV Challenge League after Birkirkara draw, Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Sta Lucia were the team who failed in their quest to preserve their top-flight status as they bid farewell to Premier League football after five seasons following a pulsating four-game relegation battle, on Friday evening.
Sta Lucia started this Matchday just above the red zone but to remain in the top-flight, Alessandro Zinnari’s side had to either beat Birkirkara or hope that Mosta fail to clinch the three points in their ‘Derby of the North’ game against Naxxar Lions.
Things were looking good for Sta Lucia as they were leading the Stripes 2-1 courtesy of goals from Gabriel Carlos and Steve Pisani before youngster Kaiden Fenech blasted a superb shot from the edge of the area to level terms, breaking Sta Lucia’s hearts while helping Mosta’s cause.
Moments after Birkirkara’s draw, Mosta had doubled their lead against Naxxar Lions through Gianluca Sciberras making sure of their win after Zachary Brincat had put them ahead.
Joseph Grech’s Mosta finish this campaign in tenth place, just outside the red zone, on 31 points after picking up seven victories including twice in the last five outings.
Naxxar Lions, despite succumbing to their ninth defeat of the season, will be pleased to have finished this season in sixth place having been promoted from the BOV Challenge League only last season.
They were pipped to fifth place by Birkirkara who managed to snatch a point from Sta Lucia, ending their season on 36 points as they shift their focus to next week’s FA Trophy semi-final against Sliema Wanderers.
Sta Lucia are relegated with the 11th spot, with 30 points after 26 games in which they won eight times.
Meanwhile, Balzan and Gżira United, also embroiled in this chaotic relegation day finale, managed to keep their top-flight status after securing a victory each.
Balzan, under the guidance of Oliver Spiteri, ended their season on a positive note after beating fourth-placed Marsaxlokk through an Oliver Rommens’ goal in the first half.
The Reds managed to preserve their one-goal lead as they finished seventh on 34 points with eight victories and 10 draws.
Winston Muscat’s Marsaxlokk remain fourth on 43 points as they hope this spot can send them to European football should anyone between Floriana or Sliema Wanderers lift this season’s FA Trophy.
A Gabriel Bohrer brace inspired Gżira United to a 3-1 win over Floriana as they made sure of Premier League football in the upcoming campaign.
