Champions Sliema managed to stop the negative trend following two defeats and a draw, by beating Mosta with two second half goals. The return to winning form of the champions came after another yet opaque performance by the depleted Blues.

In fact Sliema never set any houses on fire, against a side that was fully concentrated at keeping their opponents at bay. In fact after Sliema took the lead early in the second half, Mosta failed to make the awaited reaction.

Another good news for Sliema is the return to the side of injured players Orosco Anonam and captain Noel Turner, who surely give the Wanderers an added boost in the forthcoming matches.

Sliema’s best player was surely Alex Muscat who created a lot on the right flank, with Woods, Bogdanovic and Joe Brincat doing well in midfield.

For Mosta Philip Camilleri, Nwoko and Dayson Falzon proved to be their best players, with striker Chibueze missing two good scoring chances. Mosta played evenly with their opponents, especially in the first half.

The first half was played at a very slow pace, with Sliema having the upper hand but never really dangerous in front of goal. The first tame attempt came from Doncic who treid his luck from long range with Philip Camilleri repeating on the other end.

On 21 minutes Sliema had a good opportunity when Ivan Woods could only shoot weakly at goal following a good Muscat run. The same Muscat was again instrumental on the right flank on 28 minutes but his cross was missed by Doncic in front of goal.

Joe Brincat tried his luck from a well-taken free-kick, but Mosta goalkeeper Farrugia saved well. On 40 minutes Bogdanovic made his presence felt when he tried a good shot from the edge of the area, with the ball going inches wide.

On 42 minutes Chibueze missed a good chance when he failed to head home from two metres, following a Dyson Falzon corner. Just before the interval, Sliema appealed for a penalty when Ivan Woods was floored by Spasic, but referee Azzopardi waved play on.

No changes were made at the interval, with Sliema looking more direct in their approach, and on 52 minutes they forged ahead.

Joe Farrugia gave a perfect through ball to Daniel Bogdanovic who beat Spasic on the run and crossed to the unmarked Ivan Woods who easily scored from close range. Mosta made a good reaction with Nwoko creating havoc in the Sliema defence but his shot went over the bar.

Sliema introduced Orosco Anonam, who was making a welcome return, taking place of Joseph Farrugia who deserved better. The match dragged on with Sliema controlling their opponents with relative ease.

However on 75 minutes Chibueze missed a good opportunity when he turned past two defenders but shot well over the bar. Two minutes later, the same Chibueze missed a golden opportunity when he headed wide an inviting Dyson Falzon cross.

With seven minutes to go Sliema sealed the issue with a well taken goal scored by Daniel Bogdanovic who dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a perfect grounder from the edge of the area.

Sliema W: M. Akanji, J. Brincat, A. Muscat, B. Said, C. Mattocks (N. Turner), D. Doncic (D. Debono), J. Farrugia (O. Anonam), G. Chetcuti, I. Woods, S. Giglio, D. Bogdanovic.

Mosta: M. Farrugia, R. Newell, M. Spasic, P. Camilleri, I. Chibueze, U. Nwoko, D. Okonkwo, M. Bartolo (R. Deguara), J. Caruana, D. Falzon, C. Attard (I. Bilocca)

Scorers: I. Woods, D. Bogdanovic

Referee: K. Azzopardi, asst. refs: N. Debattista, M. Debono, 4th official: A. M. Sant

Yellow cards: J. Chetcuti, C. Attard, U. Nwoko, J. Brincat

Player of the match: Alex Muscat (Sliema)

TMI top three: 1. A. Muscat 2. P. Camilleri 3. U. Nwoko