Attard Regain Top Spot Following 11-Goal Thriller; Lija Athletic Continue Surge

The race for promotion in the BOV Amateur League I took another dramatic turn over the weekend of 31 January – 1 February 2026, as Attard reclaimed the summit following a historic high-scoring encounter, while Lija Athletic maintained their status as the league’s most in-form side.

In what will go down as one of the most remarkable matches in the league’s history, Attard reclaimed first place after edging Zejtun Corinthians in an 11-goal frenzy at the Luxol Stadium.

Attard appeared to be in total control early on with goals from Tejumola Ebenezer Ayoridne (4′) and Nicholas Schembri (6′). However, Zejtun produced a stunning first-half comeback, scoring four times through Aidan Camilleri, Fabrizio Zammit, Fabien Lufi, and Stefi Cale to lead 4–2 at the break.

The second half belonged to Nicholas Schembri. The Attard forward completed a stunning individual display by scoring three more goals (including a penalty) to turn the game back in Attard’s favour. Gordon Saliba added a sixth for Attard in the 77th minute. A late Adrian Carabott goal for Zejtun set up a tense finish, but Attard held on to move to 31 points.

Lija Athletic continued their march toward the top three with a clinical 2–0 win over a struggling Qrendi side. Despite losing star player Ross McParland to a severe injury in the 36th minute, Lija remained composed. The silver lining for the side was the return of Erjon Beu from the bench.

The deadlock was broken in the 48th minute when Qrendi’s Joseph Degabriele inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. In the 70th minute, Beu marked his return by providing a fine assist for Omar Khatib, who doubled the lead. The win lifts Lija to 24 points, firmly in the hunt for the top spots.

Kirkop United secured a massive boost in their fight against the drop, dismantling Xghajra Tornados 4–0 at the Sirens Stadium. The protagonist was Neil Buttigieg, who netted a brilliant hat-trick (9′, 34′, 60′) to leave Xghajra stunned. A late penalty converted by Oumar Drissa (referred to in some reports as Seydna Dicko) in the 87th minute completed the rout, moving Kirkop level with Zejtun on 13 points.

San Gwann returned to winning ways with a disciplined 2–0 victory over lowly Luqa St Andrew’s. Gonzalo Nicolas Virano opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a spectacular long-range effort. San Gwann dominated the second half and finally made the points safe five minutes from time when Matteo Vella converted from the penalty spot.