Malta round-up: Bogdanovic treble inspires Valletta

Maltese international Daniel Bogdanovic hit a hat-trick against Marsaxlokk FC to move Valletta FC within touching distance of leaders Sliema Wanderers FC.

Penalty opener
Ivan Zamitt's early penalty put Valetta on track for the 5-3 victory on Sunday before Bogdanovic made it two. Trevor Thomas then scored the third after just 23 minutes. Brendon Zammit and Uwa Ogbodo pulled Marsaxlokk back into the game before Bogdanovic scored his second and third in the 65th and 78th minutes. Johann Zamitt completed the scoring with Marsaxlokk's third eight minutes from time.

Points shared
In Sunday's first game at the National Stadium, Pietà Hotspurs FC were held to a 1-1 draw against Hamrun Spartans FC. The neighbouring two sides shared the points in a rather drab affair. Ivan Woods gave Pietà an early lead after 12 minutes before veteran Stefan Sultana struck the equaliser just after the half-hour mark.

Form found
On Friday, Hibernians FC had found their form with a convincing 3-0 defeat of title rivals Birkirkara FC to go temporarily top before Sliema retained pole position the following day. Adrian Mifsud and a Ndubisi Chuckunyere double ensured the Hibernians victory.

Doncic again
However, Sliema regained first place by seeing off Marsa FC with a 3-1 win on Saturday. Danilo Doncic struck his sixth goal of the season ten minutes after the restart before sturdy defender Chris Okoh doubled the scoreline in the 66th minute. Noel Turner scored the third on the stroke of full time, eight minutes after Evi Parker's goal had raised Marsa hopes of earning a draw.

Camilleri off
Newcomers Mosta FC returned to form by beating Floriana FC 3-1 in the first game played on Saturday at the National Stadium. It was a day to forget for Florian who had goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri's sent off in the 23rd minute. He was given his marching orders after upending Mosta striker Paul Zammit in the penalty area.

Penalty converted
Stefan Farrugia stepped up to put Mosta into the lead from the resulting penalty kick before Zammit doubled the score on 66 minutes and Albert Busuttil himself rounded off a fine display with a goal eight minutes from time. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza replied for Floriana just before the end.