Winless and pointless in Division II, Gharghur were always going to find the going tough against opponents from a higher level.

Mosta’s better technical class was reflected in the final scorleine, highlighting the gap between the two sides, even though they left some regulars, like keeper Jonathan Debono, Chris Pace and Julian Vella on the bench.

Mosta are now the only First Division side assured of a quarter final berth in this competition. Vittoriosa Stars are still to play Valletta next Wednesday.

Gharghur shared the early exchanges until Mosta started to take a grip on the game. In fact Mosta’s lead after 17 minutes came rather as a shock for the second Division side. Defender Zammit handled Bryan Agius’ cross to concede a penalty which Mark Briggs tucked away.

But Mosta’s two-goal cushion at halftime was more than they deserved as they carved out the better chances. Mosta were unlucky towards the half hour when Vella’s low cross found the unmarked Bajada who steered the ball against the foot of the post with the Gharghur keeper completely beaten. Later, Micallef had his effort blocked by keeper Aquilina.

A minute before the break, Mosta scored their second when Adrian Borg headed in Vella’s corner from the right.

Mosta made it 3-0, six minutes after the restart, when Lydon Micallef’s shot was slightly deflected against a defender, enough to put keeper Aquilina off balance.

Three minutes later, Gharghur pulled one back. Shawn Vella advanced on a Chris Vella pass and beat keeper Attard with a low drive.

Mosta still remained the more dominant side, though, and a Martin volley hit the bar on a Cini cross. Martin again went close with a delicate chip as Vella failed to connect in front of goal.

Mosta’s fourth goal came as no surprise three minutes from the end. Mark Briggs finished off a Brincat pass.

Gharghur’s keeper Aqulina saved his side from further derision in the late stages as he thwarted Vella and then parried Martin’s low shot.