Naxxar L 2

Mosta 2

Mosta's last slim hopes of promotion were yesterday dashed to the ground by neighbours and rivals Naxxar, when the Lions managed to score 15minutes from time to save a quiet derby.

The result can be considered a fair one with Naxxar gaining a precious point in their quest to avoid relegation. Mosta without Camilleri and Bilocca, were unlucky to lose Chibueze early in the second half, and this proved to be a real setback for the Blues.

Mosta were definitely better in the first half but they faded out in the second, giving space to Naxxar's reaction which gave its fruit in the final moments.

Mosta had a dream start when after only 60 seconds they were a goal up with a well executed move, with Dyson Falzon passing to Chibueze who squared to the completely unmarked Pio Vassallo who easily slotted home.

Mosta looked like humbling their opponents with fast runs by Chibueze and Falzon and with hard work by Vassallo and Asciak who was returning back in the side.

Naxxar who had Paul Sixsmith back in their ranks after a long absence, obtained a rather surprise equaliser in the 19th minute when Ryan Newell fouled Jerry Ani and the same Ani beat Farrugia from the resultant penalty.

However Mosta again took hold of the midfield sector and were in full control of the match creating several scoring chances. On 28 minutes Roderick Asciak hesitated in front of goal and his low shot was blocked by Cini.

Mosta's goal was in the air and it arrived two minutes later when from a Dyson Falzon corner, Chibueze headed in front of goal and Okonkwo headed in from close range.

Mosta could have sealed the issue just before the break but Dyson Falzon missed a sitter in front of goal following a good run by Chibueze on the left flank.

The second half was less intense with Mosta unable to repeat their first half showing and Naxxar took hold of midfield with Bellia and Trevor Fenech in evidence. On 75 minutes Naxxar equalised when Ani's lob beat Farrugia with the ball being cleared off the line by Grech, only for Gilbert Camilleri to slam the ball home.

Two minutes later Naxxar went close again with a Bellia shot from the edge of the area, but Farrugia dived well to save.

In the dying minutes Mosta went desperately forward but they lacked punch and never really looked capable of snatching a dramatic victory.