Mqabba won the clash of the titans against Mosta yesterday morning in a highly spectacular match between two of the best sides in this category. Mqabba fully deserved this victory as they dominated the second half after a very balanced first half.

This victory lifts Mqabba to top position in the standings as they join St. George’s with maximum points from three matches.

As expected the first half was very balanced and both teams took some time to settle down. Play was mainly in midfield, with Mosta using two strikers, namely Gilbert Martin and Simon Shead, while Mqabba had John Paul Muscat as their central striker, helped by Shaun Magro and the returning Marlon Briffa on the flanks.

After the initial warm up period, Mqabba made their first attempt at goal with a central drive by David Azzopardi easily saved by Debono. Mosta were better disposed in midfield with Bogdanovic, Grima, Briggs and Camenzuli having a slight edge on the Mqabba midfield set up.

On 17 minutes William Camenzuli passed towards Gilbert Martin whose first timer slightly missed the crossbar. The same Gilbert Martin was irresistible at times and missed the base of the upright on 20 minutes.

Mqabba forged ahead on 24 minutes when a quickly taken freekick put John Paul Muscat through and the Mqabba striker beat Brincat on the run and shot home with a precise grounder that hit the base of the upright before finishing at the back of the net.

Mosta’s reaction was a strong one and Adrian Borg’s header slightly missed the target. The Blues were rewarded on 35 minutes when a William Camenzuli corner was met by Simon Shead who headed home from close range giving Calleja no chance to save. In the dying minutes Mosta lost Lee Grima who was substituted by Lyden Micallef.

Mosta made another change on the resumption with Ryan Deguara taking Kane Farrugia’s place and William Camenzuli relegated to an external defensive role. Mqabba were now better in midfield and striker Mazitelli was romped in instead of Marlon Briffa. The Brazilian striker immediately made his presence felt hitting slightly wide after a good pass from Mauro Bonnici. With Mosta temporarily with ten players with Gilbert Martin nursing an injury, Mqabba took the lead. Shaun Magro was free on the right and crossed towards the completely unmarked Claudio Calleja who headed beautifully home.

Mosta had to substitute Gilbert Martin as they looked helpless in attack. Mqabba were now dictating matters and Mosta goalkeeper effected a brilliant save off a Magro close range shot.

Mosta tried their luck with a Luden Micallef effort and on the other end Shaun Magro missed a sitter with an open goal at his mercy. But the game was over ten minutes from time when Mazitelli scored a stunning goal from 30 meters.

Mosta J. Debono, A. Borg, K. Farrugia (R. Deguara), M. Brincat, K. Spiteri, W. Camenzuli, N. Bogdanovic, M. Briggs, L. Grima (L. Grima), G. Martin (J. Bajada), S. Shead.

Mqabba K. Calleja, A. Scicluna, M. Bonnici, P. Grima, B. Timotic, M.A. Psaila (C. Cuschieri), M. Briffa (T. Mazitelli), D. Azzopardi, C. Calleja, J.P. Muscat, S. Magro (J. Shead).

Referee Mario Apap.