St Andrews earn three useful points

LIJA ATHLETIC       1

Beu 70

ST ANDREWS          2

Atkinson 36, 56

The plot in the relegation issue thickened as St Andrews beat Lija Athletic 2-1 to leapfrog Tarxien Rainbows in 11th place in the standings.

Two goals netted by Kevaughn Atkinson either side of half-time turned out to be the only buffer which separated the two teams.

It was only in the 29th minute that the first goalscoring opportunity was recorded, when Degran Jackson’s drive came off the far post.

St Andrews plucked up further courage and took control of proceedings as they started to show a more direct approach in their attacking moves.

It was no surprise, then, when Michael Woods’ side managed to find the breakthrough on 36 minutes.

Joseph Farrugia burst into the area and squared the ball for Atkinson who pushed the ball past Lija goalkeeper Jonathan Martinelli.

Soon after the change of ends,  Atkinson then worked out a superb move which knocked out Lija. The agile midfielder set off on a solo run, made his way into the box and blasted the ball past Martinelli.

Erjon Beu instantly pulled a goal back for Lija with a diagonal shot from long distance that stunned Matthew Calleja Cremona.

But still St Andrews...