Mosta 2

Tarxien R 1

In this bargain basement clash, Mosta were hoping to continue their excellent resurgence under Steve Damato with some points over the equally resurgent Tarxien Rainbows who were fresh from their victory over Qormi. Both sides fielded strong formations with Tarxien relying on their formidable tandem of Costa and Suguino while Mosta also had Obifuele and Ossok in the starting lineup.

Mosta started well and Kurt Magro had a fine chance on 3 minutes when his shot was brilliantly saved by Debono. Tarxien responded with a brilliant shot by Garcia which went just wide. But it was Mosta who took the lead after 6 minutes when Obifuele’s first shot was blocked with Ian Zammit slotting in from close range.

Tarxien however equalized on 9 minutes when Costa turned in a looping cross which hit the bar and left the Mosta defence rooted. The match quietened down slightly after that initial outburst with both teams appearing rather evenly balanced. On 37 minutes, Garcia had a fine shot from outside the box which was neutralized by Debono.

On 46 minutes, Mosta came close when Zammit let fly from outside the area with an excellent shot which was however brilliantly saved by Cassar. On 50 minutes, Nzinga let fly from outside the box but his shot went wide. Zammit again tried his luck from afar on 57 minutes but his effort went just wide.

This was simply a prelude to Mosta’s second goal which came on the hour mark courtesy of a direct free kick by Borg which completely fooled Cassar. Two players received their marching orders in the space of two minutes for off the ball fouls as the match threatened to turn ugly. However Mosta held on to register an important victory and the three points.

Mosta: J Debono, A Borg, K Farrugia, F Tisbi, Y Ossok, F Raimy (A Cini), G Martin, K Magro, O Obifuele, I Zammit, J Bajada (Mwondo)

Tarxien R: D Cassar, S Sadowski, C Mamo, S Giglio (L Galea), A Carabott (K Pulo), R Costa, J N Mayasi, C Sammut, O Anonam, R Mintoff, C Garcia Suguino

Referee: Andre’ Arciola

Scorers: Zammit I 6, Costa 9, Borg A 60

Yellow cards: Nzinga, Magro, Martin, Anonam

Red cards: Martin 79, Costa 81

TMI Top 3: I Zammit, O Obifuele, Garcia Suguino