Mqabba made a flying start to the season easily beating San Gwann 3-0, in a match they dominated especially in the second half after scoring two quick goals.

In fact in the first half the match was rather balanced but Mqabba always held the initiative showing better technical skills. Mqabba showed great potential especially in attack and as was the case in these past seasons, they should be considered as favourites for a place in the Premier League.

San Gwann were rather disappointing especially in defence, with the Mqabba strikers having a field day. Player coach Danilo Doncic, who had a tame debut, has a lot of work to do to avoid trouble for the rest of the season.

Both sides had some new faces in their line-up. San Gwann presented Alan Spiteri in attack and Michael Valenzia in midfield.

Mqabba, under the guidance of Joe Falzon, paraded a new attacking tandem in Cibueze and Nicolo Baldacchino. These were ably supported by John Paul Muscat, and another newcomer to the side Matthew Cocks. Other players making their debut for Mqabba were veteran Jesmond Delia, Robert Southward and Jesmar Abela.

Busuttil made the first attempt at goal on five minutes with his shot missing the target. Five minutes later Mqabba produced another good move with Chibueze heading towards Matthew Cocks, but the ex-Gzira player blasted high from close range.

San Gwann’ only danger in the first half came from a defensive blunder by Jesmond Delia, but Cuschieri failed to lob over the onrushing goalkeeper. Just before the break Mqabba took a deserved lead when a long cross by Briffa was hit first-time beautifully by John Paul Muscat in the corner of the net.

The start of the second half had a rather short and decisive spell with Mqabba killing their opponents hopes with two quick goals.

On 49 minutes Busuttil passed to Nicolo Baldacchino who chested the ball before beating a helpless Spiteri in the San Gwann goal.

Eight minutes later Mqabba were home and dry with another good move by Busuttil who passed to Chibueze who scored with a perfect grounder.

Tarxien R 1

Hamrun S 0

A gem of a goal scored after only two minutes was the highlight of this low profile match, with Tarxien registering their first win, with the Spartans, still in search of their first gaol this season, tasting their first defeat.

The match failed to liven up after such a good start and such a well taken goal. Hamrun’s start to the season should start worrying coach Marinov, as the Spartans seem to lack ideas and vision of play especially in attack.

Better fare was expected from both teams, even though Tarxien can at least enjoy the three points grabbed. Their hero was surely Okoro who played a blinder in midfield giving a great helping to to his colleagues at the back.

Tarxien forged ahead after only two minutes with a spectacular goal scored by Alan Tabone who beat keeper Falzon with a dipper from the edge of the area. However after such a promising start the Rainbows conceeded ground to their opponents.

Hamrun slowly but surely took hold of the midfield sector with Briffa, Borg and Mangion hovering all over the place. Tarxien had to defend for long stretches with Francica and Camilleri under constant pressure. The Spartans however lacked ideas in front of goal, with long balls towards Stefan Sultana their only weapon.

Hamrun’s chances came near the end of the fist half with a Ryan Fenech header going inches wide following a Briffa corner. On 39 minutes Ryan Fenech made his way elegantly inside the area with his grounder hitting the side netting.

Two minutes earlier Tarxien could have easily doubled the score following a defensive lapse by Timotic, but Ryan Darmanin’s close range shot was well saved by Falzon. Two minutes from time Timotic missed an easy chance in front of goal following a Mangion free-kick.

In the second half Hamrun started on a top going near with a Stefan Sultana header that was blocked by Curmi. But although dominating for long stretches, Hamrun could not find a way past Curmi. Late in the game Tarxien could have doubled the score when a Tabone header put Guazzo through, with the latter dribbling past goalkeeper Falzon, but was unable to hit home with an open goal at his mercy.