Mosta 1

Hamrun S 0

A solitary goal scored by Ives Bilocca was enough for Mosta to have the better of promotion candidates Hamrun Spartans, in a tense match with various incidents on and off the pitch.

It was a deserved victory for Mosta, who have gained three valuable points that can put them back among the front runners even though they still have a long way to go.

The Spartans were never in the game, playing one of their worst matches this season. However credit goes to Mosta who played a very good tactical match never giving away an inch, and held out well in the final minutes especially after the sending off of midfielder Philip Camilleri.

The match, which never reached high standards, was marred after the final whistle with several scuffles on the field and on the terraces, and the police had to intervene to calm down tempers.

Mosta were without Pio Scriha and Roderick Asciak, but had Dyson Falzon back in their ranks after a rather long absence. The Mosta youngster was very inspired and showed some neat touches, proving to be an asset for this side.

Bilocca had another excellent performance and was always dangerous in his surges up front. The Spartans were without Tarik in attack but had Gaetan Spiteri back from the start. However the Spartans were not at their best in the first half, with Mosta dominating from long stretches.

Mosta took an early lead in the eighth minute when Ives Bilocca slotted home from close range following a cross from Falzon from the right flank. Brian Agius' cross shot skimmed the crossbar with Cordina beaten. Mosta had other good opportunities with Slavchev saving twice on Chibueze who was heading towards goal.

The second half started with two good opportunities for Mosta with Bilocca denied by Cordina in the first attempt while in the second his lob went slightly over the bar.

Hamrun's best patch came midway through the second half with a dangerous Cucciardi cross shot saved by Farrugia, and with through Kevin Borg who hit the post direct from a corner kick.

On 72 minutes Philip Camilleri was sent off following a foul on Attard, and the match was now in Hamrun's hands, but the Spartans were never really dangerous in front of goal.

Mosta defended their slender lead and went close to add another goal in the final minutes through Ives Bilocca who was surely the player of the match.