Rabat Veterans managed to produce a big surprise on match day 8 of the VMFA Hyundai Premier League as they saw off Gżira United 9-7.

It was a well-fought encounter with Rabat who were aggressive from the word go to surprise the Maroons who suffered their fourth defeat of the season.

Adam Smeir was inspirational for Rabat as he scored a poker with Timothy Zammit and Darren Galea notching a brace and Kevin Loughborough completing the score for their team.

Gżira had Trevor Cilia scoring a hat-trick with Alex Muscat helping himself with a brace. Jamie Pace and Firas Aboulezz also put their names on the score sheet.

League leaders Żejtun Red Stars were held to a 2-2 draw against Żurrieq Wolves. The latter gave a good account of themselves as they were determined to get something from this match.

Joseph Chetcuti and Gilbert Camilleri Lowell were on the mark for Żejtun with Żurrieq who had Robert Zammit and Christian Bezzina on target.

Meanwhile, MFPA are now one point below Żejtun Red Stars as they easily beat Pieta’ Hotspurs 7-1.

Their new recruit Stefano de Angelis and former Maltese international Michael Mifsud were inspirational for their team as they netted a hat-trick with Thomas Paris, Mark Barbara, Jonathan Bondin also finding the back of the net.

Pieta’ reduced the score through Leandros Calleja.

Birkirkara St Helens obtained a precious 4-3 win against Luxol St Andrews.

The Stripes were determined to win this game although they found a solid St Andrews side.

David Azzopardi and Glenn Bonello were twice on the mark for Birkirkara with Ronnie Hartvig scoring all Luxol’s goals.

STANDINGS– VMFA Hyundai Premier League

Żejtun Red Stars 20, MFPA 19, Birkirkara St Helen 16, Gżira United 12, Rabat Veterans 8, Pieta’ Hotspurs 7, Luxol 5, Żurrieq Wolves 3