Marsaxlokk secure narrow win, move top

SLIEMA WANDERERS 0-1 MARSAXLOKK
Alex de Aguiar 83

Marsaxlokk scored a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Sliema Wanderers, climbing to the top spot in the Closing Round.

Vincenzo Potenza’s side now lead the standings with 15 points after claiming their second consecutive win.

Meanwhile, Sliema Wanderers remain sixth with nine points, complicating their chances of securing a Top Six spot ahead of the championship’s second phase.

The match started with Sliema on the front foot, looking to make the most of the wind in their favour.

Neil Frendo had the first real chance of the game with a powerful strike, but Marsaxlokk’s veteran goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, who represented Italy during his career, was equal to the task.

The Blues, wearing an orange kit for this encounter, continued to push forward with Mohamed Awad attempting a shot soon after, only to be denied by the alert Marchetti once again.

Sliema’s strategy was clear as they aimed to use the wind advantage to press Marsaxlokk into their own half, making it difficult for Potenza’s men to play long balls and break forward.

Frendo, looking lively, tried his luck from distance again, but Marchetti was having none of it.

Marsaxlokk, however, grew into the game gradually and came close to scoring just before halftime. A smart combination between Yuri and Arias ended with Arias’ shot being deflected for a corner, offering a warning sign to Sliema.

After the break, Marsaxlokk ramped up the pressure, and it was Alex De Aguiar who nearly opened the scoring, latching onto a loose ball only to see his effort saved by Kelvin Agu in the Sliema goal.

Yuri also tested Agu with a free-kick that sailed just over the bar.

Marsaxlokk’s pressing game was causing Sliema problems, forcing errors and limiting their ability to build attacks.

Aguiar remained a threat for Marsaxlokk and came close again with a low drive that narrowly missed the target.

Dodo added to the pressure with a shot that Agu managed to block, keeping Sliema’s hopes alive.

The Wanderers responded with Awad, who found himself in a promising position but failed to convert, as his shot lacked the necessary precision.

Substitute Maksym Priadun attempted to turn the tide for Sliema, but his shot drifted wide, while a Wesley effort from distance failed to trouble the Marsaxlokk goal.

The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when a defensive lapse by Sliema allowed Yuri to pounce, quickly feeding Aguiar, who showed composure to slot the ball into the far corner past Agu. The goal proved to be the winner, earning Marsaxlokk a vital three points.