CHRIS CASSAR

Massimo Grima and Carlos Camenzuli scored in the second half to put the league leaders Mosta in the semi-final stages of the competition. Mosta were the better team and fully deserved their win even though they did’nt set any houses on fire.

Mellieha gave another good account of themselves even though they lacked the necessary punch up front.

Mosta dominated the first half pushing Mellieha in their own half. Ryan Deguara was the most dangerous player with many runs that kept the Mellieha defenders on edge. On six minutes Ryan Deguara beat a couple of players before hitting wide.

The same player tried his luck on another two instances but in both cases he missed the target. Seven minutes from the break the Mellieha custodian made an incredible save off a close range header by Steve Borg. Just before the break Ryan Deguara had another good try saved by the Mellieha goalkeeper Gauci.

On the resumption Mellieha were unlucky not to take the lead when Ibrahim Tarek’s freekick from more than 25 meters slammed against the crossbar. Midway through the second half Mosta forged ahead when Massimo Grima headed goalwards a Steve Borg throw-in with the ball completely deceiving the Mosta custodian.

Fifteen minutes from time Mosta doubled the score to put their minds at rest. Kalenga did all the running on the right flank before passing the ball to Carlos Camenzuli, who dribbled past a defender before beating Gauci with a good grounder from the edge of the area. Calabretta could have re-opened the issue two minutes later when he created panic in the Mosta defence but his shot was very weak and did not worry goalkeeper Debono.

Mellieha were unlucky minutes later when a Tarek effort destined for the back of the net was blocked on the goal line by defender Mark Brincat. Three minutes from the final whistle Mosta could have scored a third goal when an Elton Vella scorcher finished off against the crossbar.