Mosta 3

Balzan Y 1

Mosta’s positive run continued yesterday when they beat Balzan to obtain the third consecutive victory of the season.

This win now puts the Blues within three points from co-leaders Mqabba and Marsa, and are surely on the right track after a disappointing start to the season.

The match was rather disappointing in the first half, with Mosta coming to life at the start of the second half scoring two quick goals that turned the tide in their favour.

For Mosta, Chibueze was instrumental as usual, with Brian Agius playing another outstanding match on the left flank.

For Balzan Miljan Relic was making his debut, but failed to impress.

Mosta did the early running with Chibueze in splendid form, but Balzan were always dangerous in their fewer attacks. In fact the Mosta defence guided by Newell was shaky under pressure.

Chibueze had his first run after nine minutes with goalkeeper Ranier Farrugia managing to dive at his feet. On 20 minutes Dyson Falzon missed a sitter when he miskicked the ball in front of goal following a perfect freekick by Brian Agius.

On 27 minutes Balzan missed a golden opportunity when Alistair Camilleri came face to face with the opposing goalkeeper but his shot left much to be desired.

However Balzan took the lead on 37 minutes when Gilbert Scerri’s cross was handled by Newell, with referee Buontempo pointing for the penalty spot. From the resultant penalty Gilbert Scerri, one of his side’s best players, beat Matthew Farrugia.

Just before half time Mosta obtained the equaliser with a well executed move between Chibueze who passed to the onrushing Roderick Asciak to beat Ranier Farrugia with a low shot.

Mosta started the second half like a house on fire scoring two goals in a 60-second burst. On 53 minutes Philip Camilleri had a good intuition passing to Roderick Asciak whose shot slightly missed the crossbar.

But the goal was in the air and striker Chibueze managed to squeeze the ball home from an acute angle following a Brian Agius cross from the left.

Sixty seconds later, with Balzan still under shock, Mosta made it three when Ryan Newell scored direct from a freekick from mid pitch, with the Balzan goalkeeper Ranier Farrugia out of position.

Mosta controlled their opponents and could have scored another goal but Falzon’s shot missed the target following an impressive slalom in the Balzan penalty area.