This match was always bottom-of-the table stuff, between two ailing teams in the Premier League. Although holding on for a point, even if perhaps they went into this match in an unsolitary role of favourites against troubled Marsaxlokk, Mosta’s display was largely profligate. They created enough chances to have won the game and it was more a case of two points lost.

Mosta were trying to get used to life after Oliver Spiteri, with new coach Steve D’Amato at the helm.

Following the defeat against Floriana, they made five changes to their starting line-up with Adrian Borg, Bryan Agius, Nikola Bogdanovic, Kurt Magro and Araj Aboulezz all given starts. Agius was even handed the captain’s armband.

Marsaxlokk’s line-up keeps being trimmed with every passing week. Yesterday, under new licensed coach Anton Cremona, Marsaxlokk fielded only two foreigners – Emiliano Lattes and Modesto Valeriani – as their best scorer, Obiefule was not included in their squad. So many aspects of Marsaxlokk’s display were too familiar. An unbalanced defence, an unimaginative midfield and a toothless attack, with Jean Paul Farrugia deployed as a lone striker.

Mosta carved out the better chances between two disjointed teams and should have made the breakthrough inside the first half hour.

Magro, Zammit and Aboulezz provided good service to their forwards Martin and Mvondo – both fluffed them in equal measure.

Towards the quarter hour, Magro played a good pass to Martin inside the Marsaxlok area but his curling shot went narrowly wide.

Mosta should have scored two minutes later. Zammit ran down the right, went past Mamo and crossed towards the middle. Mvondo played the dummy for the unmarked Martin who shot tamely in the keeper’s hands.

On a Zammit corner from the left, Martin back headed the ball against the upright and then Bogdanovic’s shot on the rebound was blocked by Xerri.

Midway through the half Aboulezz played the ball forward to Martin whose shot brought a smart save from young keeper Cassar.

Marsaxlokk, who had only put one shot on target with an early harmless Mamo cross, briefly showed up past the half hour. Mamo’s free kick from the right was headed into a corner by Ossoko and then Valeriani advanced from the left but his effort was fisted out by keeper Debono.

With half time looming, Martin laid the ball to Mvondo who, unmolested in front of goal, contrived to loft the ball.

The second half was equally littered with moments of high ineptitude. Marsaxlokk threatened soon after the restart with a Licari shot. Keeper Debono was equal to task to turn into a corner.

Another period of domination ensued from Mosta but once more they were careless in the final third and wasteful in front of goal as their attacks became less fluent

On 52 minutes Mvondo ran clear on Zammit’s pass but Brincat blocked his effort into a corner.

Zammit again carved good openings for Martin, past the hour, but the latter missed the target and then, with eight minutes remaining, he laid the ball to Aboulezz who skied the ball and the chance went to waste.

Not surprisingly, the stalemate prevailed till the end.

Mosta J. Debono, A. Borg (A. Cini), F. Tisbi, B. Agius, Y. Ossok, N. Bogdanovic, K. Magro, A. Aboulezz, G. Martin, I. Zammit, M. Mvondo (A. Mello Da Silva)

Coach S. D’Amato

Marsaxlokk C. Cassar, M. Licari, J. Xerri, C. Brincat, C. Mamo, M. Valeriani (K. Polidano), P. Borg, S. Eboh, E. Lattes, G. Caruana, J.P. Farrugia (S. Borg)

Coach A. Cremona

Referee C. Lautier

Asst.coach T. Debono, A. Grech

4th official F. Zammit

Yellow cards S. Eboh, C. Brincat

Player of the match Ian Zammit (Mosta)

TMI top 3 1. K. Magro 2. I. Zammit 3. C. Brincat