Naxxar Lions hand Gżira United third successive defeat

Naxxar Lions handed Gżira United their third successive league defeat when they prevailed 4-2 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium and moved up to seventh in the standings.

The Lions were off to a bright start as they took the lead after 18 minutes. Vitinho hit a thumping drive that gave no chance to Gżira United goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo.

Maxuel Maia could have pulled Gżira level on 32 minutes when the Brazilian’s first-time shot finished just wide with goalkeeper Matthias Debono beaten.

The Maroons improved after the break and Maia levelled matters on the hour mark when he headed home from close in.

Naxxar looked rattled and Gżira United turned the result in their favour. Johan Bonilla found Andre Carlos inside the area and the Brazilian tapped the ball home.

But Naxxar refused to panic and on 68 minutes they restored parity when Gabriel Costa headed the ball home from close in.

Naxxar restored their lead on 71 minutes when Louis Pahama put them 3-2 ahead with a firm drive from the edge of the area.

Nine minutes from time, Gżira thought they had levelled the match when Maia fired home from close in. However, referee Matthew De Gabriele annulled the ‘goal’ for a foul.

It was Naxxar who killed off the match with a fourth goal in stoppage time when Pahama surged forward and drilled the ball home.

Birkirkara, Sliema take point

Sliema Wanderers needed a late goal to secure a 1-1 draw against Birkirkara.

The result did little to boost the Blues’ bid for a Top 6 place while Birkirkara remained unbeaten under the charge of coach Paul Zammit.

The Blues held the edge for much of the first half, but it was Birkirkara who struck first.

The clock marked 29 minutes when Jacques Bayo hit a firm, angled drive that flew into the net.

After the break, Sliema tried to step up the gear and they managed to level the match when Gustavo Alcino directed the ball into the net.