It was third time lucky for Moldova as they won the Malta International tournament for the first time, with a crushing victory over a sorry Georgia side.

After beating under par Malta in the opening match the Moldova youngsters went even better against a demotivated Georgia, winning handsomely in an empty National Stadium.

Moldova immediately made their intentions clear, scoring two goals in the opening 13 minutes. Zislis scored the first with a perfect header on four minutes and the same player doubled the score when he scored from close range, after a good Alexeev effort was blocked by the Georgia goalkeeper.

Georgia came back into the match on 18 minutes when they were awarded a penalty and Tskitishvili scored from the spot kick. This was Georgia’s best patch as play was now balanced, with Georgia trying to get the equaliser: however, they were rarely dangerous.

Their aspirations were swept away early in the second half when one of Moldova’s best players, Alexeev, scored the third goal on 48 minutes. On 55 minutes Moldova were awarded a penalty and Sergiu Namasco made no mistake, with the fifth and final goal scored by Golovatenco on 72 minutes from a corner action, as Moldova won this 13th edition.

Georgia finished the match with nine players as Khizanishvili and Asatiani were sent off.

Moldova: Namasco, Bulgaru, Soltanici, Golovatenco, Bolohan, Sergiu Namascu, Rudac, Suvurov, Zmeu (Bereghici), Zislis (Japalau), Alexeev.

Georgia: Tevdoraze, Gvinianidze, Makharadze, Khizanishvili, Tskitishvili, Benashvili (Mchedlishvili), Kankava (Kobiashvili), Asatiani, Chelidze (Gotsiridze), Mujiri, Martsvaladze

Referee: Adrian Casha (Malta)