Mosta 0
Valletta 4
Mosta: A. Vella, E. Murga (Z. Brincat 72), A. Roach (L. Portelli 83), W. Gomes, D. Bonnici (K. Gatt 62), N. Kotlov, D. Xuereb, JB Diouf, T. Farrugia, DJ Brown, M. Muchardi
Valletta: H. Bonello, J. Caruana (K. Tulimieri 79), S. Borg, R. Camilleri, M. Piciollo, K. Nwoko, J. Borg, E. Pena Beltre (D. Packer 20), R. Muscat, I. Dzaria (N. Pulis 72), M. Fontanella
Referee: AM Sant
Asst refs: D. Sultana, R. Vella
4th official: A. Johnson
Scorers: D. I. Dzaria 24, M. Fontanella 35, 54 pen., K. Tulimieri 86,
Yellow cards: R. Camilleri 32, N. Kotlov, N. Pulis 73
BOV Player of the match: M. Fontanella
TMI Top 3: 1. M. Fontanella, 2. K. Nwoko, 3. M. Piciollo
Valletta overtook Gzira United temporarily in third place as they yesterday defeated Mosta comfortably 4-0.
A brace by Mario Fontanella, one of them a penalty in the second half, an opening goal by Irakli Dzaria and the fourth by Kevin Tulimieri, handed them this comfortable win against a Mosta side which left much to be desired.
The three points lifted the champions into joint 2nd place with Sirens on 21 points, four points behind leaders Floriana, as they overtook Gzira, who, however, have today's match against Senglea in hand.
After a somewhat shaky start, Valletta took the initiative and it was not a surprise that they eventually took the lead and went on to add a second goal.
It was evident that Valletta had much more guns than their opponents who were found wanting at the back, especially on the two flanks.
The Blues had a bright start and twice threatened to take the lead as Muchardi forced Bonello into two good saves. But that was what they created against a solid Valletta defence which grew in confidence with every minute played.
The match maintained the same pattern in the second half, as Valletta continued with their domination adding another two goals for good measure although the score could have been bigger had they not failed some good chances.
Valletta quickly went into attack and on three minutes, Fontanella could have done better than lifting the ball well over the bar from an inviting position.
It was Mosta who threatened seriously through a Matias Muchardi hard shot which was turned to corner with difficulty by Henry Bonello.
Mosta were again dangerous on the 11th minute. City goalie Bonello tipped the ball over the bar for a corner from an insidious Muchardi freekick.
On 23 minutes, Valletta protested for a penalty when substitute Douglas Packer went down in the area in a challenge for the ball with David Brown, but the official, close to the action, ignored their protests.
A minute later, Valletta took the lead when Kyrian Nwoko advanced on the left flank and sent in a good low cross which was met by Irakli Dzaria who beat Andreas Vella with a low shot.
In the 34th minute, Jean Diouf advanced to the edge of the City area, but his effort was poor and missed the target.
Valletta added a second goal on the 34th minute when off an Nwoko cross, it was Fontanella who beat Vella with a diving header with the ball also being helped into the net by the same goalie.
In added time, Valletta almost added a third goal. Goalie Vella dilly dallied just outside his area and was robbed of the ball by Fontanella but the latter's effort towards an unguarded post was cleared in extremis to corner by David Brown
The second half started with Matteo Piciollo setting Nwoko on the edge of the Mosta area, but the latter's effort went over the bar.
Moments later Valletta were awarded a penalty when Piciollo was floored in the area by Akeem Roach. From the spotkick, Fontanella made no mistake.
Mosta went close to reduce the gap on 59 minutes when Jean Diouf had a low shot from the edge of the area missing the target by a whisker.
On the hour, as Valletta insisted, Piciollo had a first timer saved with his feet by goalie Vella and soon after it was Nwoko who had a shot going just wide.
Valletta added a 4th goal on 86 minutes when off a Nicholas Pulis cross, substitute Kevin Tulimieri headed perfectly into the net past a helpless Vella.
In added time, Mosta had a chance to grab a consolation goal, but they were unlucky as a freekick by Diouf hit the upright with Bonello beaten.