Mellieha 1

Marsa 3

Marsa started the season on a top note beating newly promoted side Mellieha 3-1, in a highly interesting match. The Redblues played the second half with ten players as Jean Paul Zammit was sent off just before the break for his second book-able offence.

Mellieha had a better start and, and Ibrahim Tarek he hit the post from close range. Minutes later Mellieha went close again when Reuben Vella hit the crossbar direct from a corner kick.

Marsa came to the fore midway through the first half with a Borg effort going over the bar and Achukwu failed to connect in front of goal following a good move with Chircop. On 43 minutes Jean Paul Zammit pulled Sandro Costa Brazilino to receive his second yellow card and the eventual early shower.

In the second half Mellieha went all out to take the lead and make full use of their numerical superiority, but Marsa stunned their opponents with two quick goals. On 51 minutes Achukwu, arguably the best player on the field of play, was brought down by goalkeeper David Vela and Darren Vella made no mistake from the penalty spot. Two minutes later Marsa were on velvet when the Mellieha goalkeeper failed to grasp a Gatt free-kick and Warren Chircop headed in from close range.

Mellieha surged desperately forward and were rewarded 11 minutes from time with a brilliant goal scored by Reuben Vella who fired home after a good move between Cauchi and Paul Vella.

However six minutes from time Marsa scored a third goal following a fast break by Jesmond Dalli who passed to substitute Clayton Guzman who easily slotted home from close range.

Referee: Gordon Barbara

Mosta 4

Dingli S 0

Promotion favourites Mosta demolished newcomers Dingli Swallows in their opening match. Superior Mosta were already two goals up after only three minutes and the result was never in doubt.

Dingli tried to play some good football but their defensive set up left much to be desired as Mosta scored at will.

After barely 15 seconds, Carlos Camenzuli was put through by Marg Galea, and the Mosta striker made no mistake in front of goal. Three minutes later Mosta doubled the score when Daniel Theuma scored direct from a free-kick.

Dingli were completely rattled by this double blow and failed to make an impact on the game, with their only chance coming from an Etienne Farrugia header. Near the end of the first half, Carlos Camenzuli went close again with a long distance shot that went slightly wide, as another Daniel Theuma free-kick hit the upright.

In the second half Dingli started on a top note as they did their utmost to get back in the game. They pressed their opponents in their own half but their efforts proved futile as Mosta scored their third goal on 56 minutes when Mark Galea headed towards Carlos Camenzuli who shot low into the net from the edge of the area.

On 65 minutes Mosta scored their fourth goal when Elton Vella’s lob hit the crossbar and from the rebound Camenzuli easily tapped the ball home to complete a personal hat-trick.

Referee: Juergen Spiteri