Msida SJ-Pieta H 2-1

Msida beat Pieta 2-1 to ensure that they will be playing premier league football next season. Relatively speaking, Pieta’s defeat leaves them still needing the mathematical comfort though it seems highly unlikely that they will lose their premier league status.

It was a drab encounter with both teams enjoying a comfortable position in the table compared to St Patrick and Lija and thus happy to administer the proceedings.

Pieta were the slightly superior side even though Msida managed to take the lead against the run of play in the second half and thus take the three points that mattered most.

For long stretches the match looked as if it would end in a stalemate given the few chances that were procured especially in the second half where the two sides appeared more intent in honouring the fixture rather than run any risk of injuries.

Pieta went close in the 16th minute when Repuh entered the area after a fine move involving Sammut. He entered the area and hit a shot which was slightly deflected by a Msida defender but Omar Borg saved with his feet.

It was the prelude to Pieta’s lead in the 21st minute. Off a Sciberras header, Borg had to save with difficulty and from the rebound, the ball came to Ortas who hit a low shot past Borg with the ball taking a slight deflection.

That lead was short lived. Dino Cachia took a freekick a minute later and the ball went straight into the net past Hogg.

Soon after, Pieta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg had to dive full length to turn to corner a Theuma freekick.

Pieta again went close to forging ahead. Ortas set Zahra through but the latter’s effort sailed over the bar.

Five minutes from half time off a Sammut cross, Zammit headed the ball but his effort went over the bar.

The second half was a rather poor affair with both teams looking happy with the score even though Pieta seemed to have a slight edge over Msida.

On the change of ends, an Ortas shot from outside the area inched just wide.

Msida took the lead against the run of play in the 73rd minute. Boni crossed to Nwoke who controlled the ball and then hit home past Hogg with the Pieta defence beaten.

Pieta could have equalised in the 83rd minute. Substitute Abshir ran down the left and took a cross which Borg cleared with difficulty. The ball came to Ciscaldi who hit a swinging shot which just inched wide.

Despite their attacks, Pieta failed to equalise and thus they will have to wait further to confirm their Premier League status.