Sliema W. 3
Mosta 1
Sliema W.: J. Galea (T. Aquilina 76), M. Muchardi, K. Shaw, J. Mintoff, I. Varela, R. Fenech (A. Muscat 81), N. Ashong, M. Sansone, C. Pani (J. Pearson 66), S. Biancardi, Y. Marzouk
Mosta: A. Vella, JR Ekani, G. Cuomo, D. Bonnici (J. Brincat 65), D. Xuereb (Z. Brincat 85), R. Morisco, T. Farrugia, F. Franchini, AG Roach, D. Imeri, J. Cisotti
Referee: D. Agius
Asst refs: T. Debono, S. Duncan
4th official: F. Zammit
Scorers: Y. Marzouk 27, 88, K. Shaw 35, R. Morisco 90
BOV Player of the Match: Y. Marzouk
TMI Top 3: 1. Y. Marzouk, 2. M. Muchardi, 3. R. Morisco
Attendance: 340
Sliema moved into 4th place in the standings yesterday evening as they overcame a feeble Mosta challenge to win comfortably 2-0.
Two goals arrived in the first half. Younes Marzouk opened the score on 27 minutes and Kurt Shaw added the second on 35 minutes. Marzouk sealed the issue two minutes from the end with a splendid shot. Rafael Morisco scored Mosta's consolation goal in added time.
The Wanderers now have 37 points, one less than 3rd placed Gzira with Birkirkara following in 5th place on 36 and Hamrun sixth on 34 points.
Sliema were coming from two consecutive wins, while Mosta had won a crucial direct clash against Pieta in the two clubs' recent encounters. This result, however, was sweet revenge for Sliema over Mosta who had earlier eliminated their rivals from the FA Trophy.
The match also heralded the welcome return to the game of right flank defender Alex Muscat who had been ruled out through injury for several months.
The Wanderers were undoubtedly the better team on the field of play with Muchardi, Fenech and Marzouk dominating the midfield sector for long stretches.
They created much more than Mosta who had to play second fiddle for most of the time, even if they also had their good moments which, however, were few and far between.
When Sliema took the lead on 27 minutes, the match had already appeared uphill for Mosta, but when the Wanderers scored a second a few minutes later, the match was as good as over and the second half was only a formality.
In fact, the Wanderers slowed down their rhythm considerably and Mosta pushed forward much more frequently than they did in the first half, earning the satisfaction of scoring a consolation goal in added time.
The match had a somewhat fiery start. Mosta had a 2nd minute long distance effort from Akeem Roach going wide. But at the other end, it was goalie Andreas Vella who saved the Mosta fort blocking a dangerous incursion from John Mintoff.
On 26 minutes, Mosta went close to opening the score when from a corner, it was Biancardi who cleared in extremis before Tyrone Farrugia could conlude.
A minute later, Sliema took the lead when in a swift counter-attack, Younes Marzouk set Ryan Fenech on the right, the latter entered the area to cross for the same Marzouk to head home past a helpless Vella.
Mosta replied through a Cuomo low shot deviated by a Sliema defender, but handled well by goalie Galea.
Sliema doubled their lead on 35 minutes. A Marzouk cross was concluded into the net by Kurt Shaw.
In the 45th minute, Sliema were unlucky not to score a third goal when Ignacio Varela saw his header hitting the post.
Mosta were a more determined outfit in the second half and on 61 minutes, Gianluca Cuomo had a good effort from 20 metres saved in two attempts by Sliema goalie Galea.
On the 80th minute, Mosta threatened to reduce the gap through a Gianluca Cuomo header which just missed the target.
Mosta continued to press for a goal and Cisotti had a low shot saved by substitute goalie Timothy Aquilina.
In added time, Mosta scored their consolation goal through Rafael Morisco who hit home a freekick from the edge of the area.