Mqabba and Pieta’ crossed swords in the First Division Knockout to grab some precious points in their quest to land the trophy. The opening minutes were a dreadful affair with absolutely no goalmouth action at all and the first real chance came on 25 minutes when a shot by Shead hit the post for Mqabba. They came close again on 40 minutes when Muscat shot towards goal with Montfort deflecting but Azzopardi somehow flicked the ball over the bar.

Pieta’ created their first real opportunity on 54 minutes when Refalo latched on to a loose ball but his lob was short. Seconds later Mqabba came close when a cross by Mazitelli found Calleja whose low shot was well saved by Montfort.

Mqabba finally took the lead on 62 minutes when from a Calleja cross, Mazitelli headed home past a hapless Montfort. On 71 minutes, Mqabba made certain of the points when they doubled through Calleja after having received from Mazitelli. The third goal soon followed and came on 75 minutes when the irrepressible Mazitelli slotted home after having been put clean through by Muscat.

Pieta reduced the deficit on 88 minutes through when Refalo found Muscat who slotted home from close range.

Mqabba FC: Calleja K, Scicluna A, Bonnici M, Timotic B, Azzopardi D, Calleja C, Muscat JP, Grima P, Shead J, Cuschieri C (Psaila MA), Debattista J (Mazitelli T)

Pieta’ Hotspurs: Montfort M, Spiteri C, Mifsud R, Sciberras B, Refalo Q, Grech S (Cassar K), Muscat Z, Pisani J (Azzopardi J), Cassar C, Mifsud D, Grech I

Referee: Zammit F

Goals: Mazitelli 62’, 75, Calleja 71, Muscat 88’

Yellow cards: Muscat JP, Psaila MA