Mosta: M. Farrugia, M. Bartolo (R. Deguara), I. Bilocca (P. Camilleri), S. Borg, I. Chibueze, D. Falzon, J. Grech, R. Newell, U. Nwoko, D. Okonkwo, P. Scriha
Pieta H: A. Hogg, P. Aquilina (G. Busuttil), C. Okoh, B. Sciberras, S. Ciscaldi, C. Calleja, C. Sammut, S. Kondev, F. Marius (D. Kokavesis), M. Galea, R. Grech (Q. Refalo).
Referee: K. Azzopardi asst. refs: M. Debono, J. Camilleri 4th official: A.M. Sant
Scorers: C. Okoh, D. Falzon, P. Scriha (pen), P. Camilleri
Yellow cards: R. Newell, S. Kondev, D. Okonkwo
Player of the match: Dyson Falzon (Mosta)
TMI top three: 1. D. Falzon, 2. M. Bartolo 3. P. Aquilina
Mosta staged a remarkable comeback in the second half to beat Pieta and revive their hopes of avoiding relegation. Mosta deserved the three points at stake, and are now within a point from the same Pieta.
Now the relegation battle is wide open, with the match between Hamrun and Floriana next Saturday gaining more importance.
Dyson Falzon and Matthew Bartolo were the true leaders of the Mosta spirited display in the second half. The introduction of Philip Camilleri immediately after Mosta obtained the equaliser, was another factor that helped turn the tide in Mosta's favour. Another player who shone for Agius' team was Steve Borg, who was also instrumental in Mosta's second goal.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Deanov's team. Pieta were a disjointed lot without the presence of Martin Deanov, whose absence was sorely felt as the team lacked vision of play, with Calleja and Kondev failing to lift up the level of play. Pierre Aquilina tried his best on the right flank, but his efforts were not enough against a well organised Mosta defence marshalled by Newell.
Both teams had some regular players missing, with Pieta without the services of Martin Deanov, Dean Gera and David Camenzuli, with Philip Camilleri missing for Mosta.
Mark Galea was partnered by Kondev in Pieta's attack, supported by Claudio Calleja in midfield. In defence Okoh, Sciberras and Aquilina kept an eye on Chibueze and Ives Bilocca, with Udo Nwoko and Dyson Falzon in a midfield role.
Barely had five minutes elapsed and Pieta were in the lead. Piere Aquilina powered his way on the right flanked and his good cross was headed beautifully in by Chris Okoh. Pieta kept the initiative and Kondev tested Farrugia with a powerful freekick.
Mosta's first attempt at goal came only after thirty minutes when Udo Nwoko chipped to Chibueze, and the Pieta goalkeeper Hogg had to charge out of position to block the danger.
The second half started with a good chance for Pieta's Mark Galea following a good Kondev cross from the right. Pieta had a good patch with Calleja's header saved by Farrugia, and Kondev failing to connect in front of goal to a good Aquilina cross.
On 53 minutes Bartolo crossed to Chibueze whose header was well saved by Hogg. Mosta equalised on 54 minutes when following a corner action, Steve Borg lobbed to Dyson Falzon who headed home from close range.
Mosta were now a transformed side, as coach Agius introduced Philip Camilleri for Bilocca. On the hour from a Dyson Falzon slalom, Marius pulled Chibueze inside the box, and from the resultant penalty captain Pio Scriha made no mistake with a powerful drive.
The match finally lifted off to an interesting affair, with Calleja beating the offside trap but blasting high to miss a good opportunity for Pieta.
Pieta tried to increase the pressure with coach Deanov introducing three youngsters who were making their debut - Refalo, Kokavesis and Busuttil - but Mosta remained better in midfield. With nine minutes to go Mosta put the issue beyond doubt when Bartolo ripped the Pieta defence apart with a penetrating run on the right who crossed to the unmarked Philp Camilleri who scored with a powerful rising shot.