Sliema Wanderers registered their second consecutive victory in the Malta Premier League after defeating Marsaxlokk 2-1 in an entertaining encounter to strengthen their chances of securing a place in the Top Six.

First-half goals from Diego Camara Calleja and Vlatko Drobarov proved decisive for the Blues, with Semir Smajlagic temporarily restoring parity for Marsaxlokk.

The victory lifted Sliema to 17 points, level with Marsaxlokk, who suffered their second successive defeat.

Before kick-off, Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello was presented with a commemorative shirt to mark his 100th appearance for the club, having returned to the Wanderers during the summer transfer window.

Sliema started brightly and almost took an early lead when Anthony Limbombe fired narrowly wide from close range.

The Blues continued to dictate proceedings, with Ionuț Cojocaru heading over the crossbar as Branko Nišević’s side sought an early breakthrough.

Marsaxlokk responded through Jose Arias, who beat his marker before forcing Bonello into a save.

However, Sliema’s pressure eventually paid off in the 24th minute when Brian Gambarte delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and Diego Camara Calleja applied the finishing touch to put the Wanderers ahead.

Marsaxlokk responded six minutes later when Smajlagic capitalised on a deflection off Alexander Satariano to score from close range and restore parity.

The equaliser brought greater balance to the encounter, with both teams enjoying spells of possession.

Nevertheless, Sliema regained the advantage just before half-time when Drobarov rose to meet a free-kick and headed past Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi in the 44th minute.

Following the interval, Cojocaru attempted to extend Sliema’s lead with a curling effort that drifted wide.

Marsaxlokk gradually increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, with substitute Dodo testing Bonello shortly after his introduction.

Arias then squandered a promising opportunity when he dragged his effort narrowly wide from inside the penalty area.

Sliema could have settled the contest in the 77th minute when Limbombe found himself facing an open goal, but the Belgian forward fired over the crossbar.

Marsaxlokk continued to push forward in the closing stages but were unable to break down the Wanderers’ defence.

The match also featured a controversial penalty incident, with Marsaxlokk requesting a Football Video Support review.

Following the match, Marsaxlokk coach Vincenzo Potenza expressed frustration with referee Philip Farrugia’s handling of the incident, claiming that the official had spent only a few seconds reviewing the footage before deciding against awarding a penalty.

Meanwhile, Sliema coach Nišević confirmed that defender Jean Borg had sustained an injury during training and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

The victory represents another important step for Sliema in their pursuit of a Top Six finish, while Marsaxlokk will be looking to recover after consecutive defeats.

Sliema Wanderers 2–1 Marsaxlokk

Scorers: Diego Camara Calleja 24′, Vlatko Drobarov 44′ (S); Semir Smajlagic 30′ (M).

Referee: Philip Farrugia.