The 2011 ‘Gammari’ Muscat’ Mosta tournament kicked off on Monday night with two matches that saw hosts Mosta spring a surprise by beating Birkirkara 2-1.

Vittoriosa Stars proved a hard nut to crack but Tarxien proved too strong for Joe Brincat’s side dominating the second half and scoring three goals in the process. Ricardo Costa opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, and further goals by Daniel Bueno (70 min) and Justin Grioli (78 min) sealed an emphatic 3-0 win.

The second match proved to be more exciting as hosts Mosta came from behind to secure a 2-1 win against all odds. In front of a large crowd at the Charles Abela Memorial Stadium, Birkirkara dominated the first half but could not find a way past Blues goalie Jonathan Debono.

When Leighton Grech put the Stripes 1-0 up just four minutes into the second half, it seemed that Mosta were in for a hard time. But the Blues had other ideas and continued to improve.

In fact, it was no surprise when  on 78 minutes substitute Jonathan Bajada jinked his way past two defenders and unleashed a pile-driver that took a deflection before beating Birkirkara keeper Jorge Mora to level the scores.

After an Alhinho shot smashed against the crossbar, another substitute, Nikola Arseric who was making his first appearance for the Blues, beat the Stripes offside strap, rounded Mora and shot into an empty net for the winner.