Mosta 3, Gozo FC 2
A depleted Gozitan side gave a hard time to promotion aspirants Mosta, at the end losing by the odd goal in five to be mathematically relegated to Division Two.
It was the obvious result of a very dull season by the Gozitans who yesterday had only twelve players at their disposal, with their assistant coach as their only reserve. This state of affairs cannot go on unnoticed by the MFA, and the Gozo FC partecipation in the Maltese leagues should be seriously considered in the future.
However credit must go to the eleven fielded yesterday as they gave Mosta a hard time, and Mosta who now go joint second with Hamrun, must thank their striker Chibueze for two superb goals. However the display of the Mosta side was pathetic to say the least and although still in the hunt, they must make a radical improvement if they really wish to make a quick return to the Premier.
Mosta took the lead with a breath taking goal after only 45 seconds. Striker Chibueze who was returning to the side from the first minute scored with a spectacular scissors kick with the ball in the corner of the net. Three minutes later the same Chibueze had another chance all alone in front of goal but his shot went wide.
On 16 minutes Dyson Falzon’s perfect freekick hit the post, and Gozitan goalkeeper Mercieca dived to save a dangerous grounder by the in-form Chibueze. Mercieca was again called in action saving a close range header from Okonkwo from a Camilleri cross.
On 41 minutes Gozo obtained a surprise equaliser when John Camilleri took the ball from a hesitant Ryan Newell in Mosta’ spenalty area, and the Gozitan striker beat a bewildered Farrugia with a low drive. Mosta were in a disarray and Mark Muscat tested Farrugia from the edge of the area.
In injury time Mosta went back into the lead when Brian Galea from the right floated a perfect cross for Rodrick Asciak who beautifully headed home. Just before the interval whistle, Mosta goalkeeper Farrugia saved his side with a splendid save off a De Oliveira good freekick.
Chibueze should have done better at the start of the second half heading high a good cross by Falzon. However the match was very boring in this part with Mosta unable to penetrate the Gozitans’ defence.
On 75 minutes Gozo again shocked Mosta when a Camilleri shot was partially saved by Farrugia and Francalanza nipped in to score. As happened in the first case Mosta woke up from their sleep with Falzon lobbing over the bar. And on 78 minutes Mosta again took the lead when Chibueze scored another beauty from the edge of the area with a superb shot on the turn from the edge of the box.