Watch: Marsaxlokk too strong for Gżira United to go top of the standings

Marsaxlokk were back to winning ways when they eased past Gżira United in a one-sided encounter at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

The Blues came into the match determined to try and bounce back from last weekend’s shock 3-1 defeat to Valletta.

And Vincenzo Potenza’s side duly delivered as they outplayed their opponents throughout the 90 minutes, and once they took the lead midway through the first half, there was no way back for Gżira, who seemed to lack the much-needed punch to threaten their opponents.

It was an important win for Marsaxlokk who now moved to the top of the standings on nine points, one clear of Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta.

The Southseasiders immediately made their intentions clear right from the outset as they dominated proceedings throughout the opening 45 minutes to the extreme that Gżira United rarely managed to threaten their goal.

Redan Mihana, the former Ħamrun Spartans attacking midfielder, was very active for the southerners during the first half, consistently moving across their forward line.

The Albanian came close to giving his side the breakthrough on 19 minutes when he battled his way past his marker, and his thumping drive was brilliantly saved by Gżira United goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo.

Gżira continued to struggle to break into the Marsaxlokk half, and instead it was Marcelo Barros who threatened again for the Southerners, but his low drive flashed wide.

Marsaxlokk deservedly took the lead on 37 minutes when they were awarded a corner, and Mihana’s delivery found Weder Silva, who hit a thumping header with the ball hitting the back of the net.

Gżira looked rattled and their reaction was stale.

Instead, it was Marsaxlokk who grabbed a second just before the half-time whistle when, from a free-kick action, Colombo failed to clear the danger as the ball hit Nevin Portelli and finished into the back of the net.

After the break, one thought that Gżira United would grow in stature but although they had a bigger share of possession, they still struggled to create any danger to Christoffer Mafoumbi in the Marsaxlokk goal.

The Maroons did finally manage to threaten on 73 minutes when Maxuell Maia latched on a cross but his flick was well saved by Maffoumbi.