Mosta 3

Sliema W 2

Bottom-placed Mosta secured their first victory of the season yesterday as they beat a disappointing Sliema side 3-2.

It was a richly deserved win for Mosta who showed considerable improvement over recent outings. It has lifted them to four points, alongside Tarxien Rainbows, though still at the bottom of the standings.

Sliema missed the services of Galabov and Mifsud Triganza as well as goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Their performance must have been the worst so far this season as they appeared to be a struggling side, especially in the second half when they never really threatened the Mosta goal. Their second goal five minutes from the end was poor consolation.

In the first half, the Wanderers had slightly more possession, but it was Mosta who created the better chances.

With a lot of midfield play ensuing, play was boring except for a brief five minutes midway through, that is, when the two goals were scored.

Just before the interval, Mosta scored again to take what seemed to have been a deserved lead.

In the second half, one expected Sliema to come out in search of the equaliser, but their reaction never materialised and it was Mosta who added a third goal before creating – and missing – further chances to make sure of the three points.

Sliema had the better start and went close to taking the lead on the 11th minute when off a defender’s sloppy clearance, Jorge Santos Silva saw his header saved with difficulty by Debono.

But it was Mosta who took the lead in the 22nd minute when in one of their fewer attacks Mvondo went into the Sliema area near the bye line. His cross was blocked by Curmi, but Firas Aboulezz was on hand to hit home.

Five minutes later, Mosta went close to adding a second goal when Ian Zammit had a low shot just missing the upright.

Immediately after, Sliema obtained the equaliser when from a Mitev cross, it was Jackson Lima who headed past a helpless Debono.

In the 42nd minute, Mosta missed a great opportunity to take the lead once again. From a Bryan Agius freekick, the ball was cleared to Adrian Borg who, with only goalie Curmi to beat, lifted the ball over the bar.

It was in added injury time that Mosta were back in front. Firas Aboulezz sent in a perfect through pass to Mello da Silva who lobbed the ball over the onrushing Curmi and into the net.

At the start of the second half, Mosta were unlucky not to add a third goal when off a Mello da Silva corner, Ian Zammit’s header hit the post before going dead.

Soon after, Mvondo was through on the left flank, but his shot passed across goal. The same player was luckier in the 58th minute when he received a good through pass from Zammit to advance unhindered before beating the onrushing Curmi.

Sliema reduced the arrears with a great goal from Jackson Lima. He hit home a fine shot from a freekick from around 40 metres giving goalie Debono no chance.

In added time, Curmi denied Mosta a fourth goal saving a point-blank shot from substitute Martin.

Sliema W.: A. Curmi, A. Muscat (R. Grech), J. Mifsud, M. Scerri, D. Mitev, S. Bezzina, J. Lima Siquiera, J. Ani, R. Bajada, J. Santos Silva, C. Frendo (C. Gatt Baldacchino).

Coach: D. Doncic.

Mosta FC: J. Debono, A. Borg, L. Martinelli, F. Tisbi, B. Agius, K. Magro (S. Grech), N. Bogdanovic, A. Mello da Silva (G. Martin), I. Zammit, B. Mvondo, F. Aboulezz (A. Cini),

Coach: O. Spiteri.

Referee: M. Borg.

Asst refs: I. Spiteri, E. Spiteri.

4th official: F. Zammit.

Scorers: F. Aboulezz 22, J. Lima 28, 85, A. Mello da Silva 45, B. Mvondo 58,

Yellow cards: S. Bezzina, D. Mitev, J. Debono, I. Zammit, A. Mello da Silva, J. Mifsud, S. Grech.

Player of the match: Ian Zammit (Mosta)

TMI Top 3: 1. I. Zammit, 2. M. da Silva, 3. B. Mvondo

Attendance: 738