Mqabba 1

Mosta 1

The two newly promoted teams played a tepid one-all draw, with both goals scored in an acceptable first half, during which the sides produced their best. After the restart, it was a turgid affair, devoid of real goalmouth action and littered with a litany of bookings as both side were happy to avoid a repeat defeat after their reverse in previous matches.

A point apiece means Mqabba catch up with Balzan Youths on 11 points as Mosta remained rooted to the bottom.

Mqabba were strengthened by the return from suspension of their two foreign defenders Branislav Timotic and Marko Potezika, who started the match. The other two, Mark Anthony Psaila and Clayton Micallef were named among the substitutes. Forward Mamic was still serving his second match ban.

Mosta also had defender Tisbi suspended while Aboulezz and Sheldon Grech were relegated to the bench but Gilbert Martin was given a rare start.

Mosta had much the better of the first part of the first half as, not for the first time this season, Mqabba took long to settle into the match. Mosta even managed to take the lead on 21 minutes. Gilbert Martin capitalised on Mqabba’s static defence, as he ran through the middle, controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful shot, hitting the innerside of the post before ending behind keeper Calleja’s back.

Mqabba looked menacing through the personal initiative of Mazitelli. He ended a personal move with a shot off target and past the half hour he tested keeper Debono with a curling free kick. On 36 minutes Azzopardi’s powerful drive, on Mosta’s erratic defensive clearance, was footed out by keeper Debono.

Given the fragile confidence within the Mosta side, there was a sense of inevitability that Mqabba’s equaliser would follow.

That came on 37 minutes with Marko Potezika’s unstoppable shot from some 30 metres out that completely beat the Mosta keeper.

Play became largely scrappy in the second half, with the ball kicked from one box to another with little purpose. Goalmouth action remained at a premium as the sides looked blunt and rusty in attack, with Mqabba’s best chance coming on 77 minutes. Timotic’s effort in front of goal, on an Azzopardi cross, was too weak and the keeper could save.

Mosta, who had effected all their three substitutions, survived a late scare in added time when Mazitelli headed off target a long ball raked inside their area.

Mqabba: K. Calleja, P. Grima, M. Potezica, B. Timotic, M. Briffa (M. Bonnici), D. Azzopardi, T. Mazitelli, C. Calleja, J.P. Muscat (S. Magro), R. Sammut, R. Duca

Caoch: C. Mizzi

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

Coach: O. Spiteri

Referee: G. Tonna

Asst.refs: W. Debattista, T. Debono

4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: G. Martin 21, M. Potezika 37

Yellow cards: R. Duca, N. Bogdanovic, G. Martin, K. Magro, P. Grima, J.P. Muscat, I. Zammit, L. Martinelli, B. Agius

Player of the match: M. Potezika (Mqabba)

TMI top 3: 1. D. Azzopardi 2. T. Mazitelli 3. G. Martin