Tarxien R 0
Mosta 4
Tarxien R: R. Briffa, T. Veronese, D. Mombouana, B. Muscat, D. Zerafa, M. Ciantar, M. Spiteri (M. Botta 45'), A. Andrejic, S. Shaba, M. Tabone (C. Zahra 86'), M. Gomez.
Mosta: A. Vella, J. Ekani (C. Grech 85'), E. Murga (L. Portelli 91'), W. Gomes Souza, N. Kotlov (Z. Brincat 82'), D. Xuereb, R. Morisco, K. Gatt, M. Jallow, T. Farrugia, M. Muchardi.
Referee: Darryl Agius
Ass.referees: Duncan Sultana, Ivan Galea
Fourth official: Andrea Sciriha
Scorers: T. Farrugia 40', N. Kotlov 56', E. Murga 59', M. Jallow 80'
Yellow cards: D. Zerafa,
Player of the match: Edin Murga (Mosta)
TMI Best Three: 1. E. Murga, 2. M. Muchardi, 3. A. Andrejic
Mosta completely outplayed a sorry Tarxien side yesterday to grab the first three points of the season in style. It was a one-sided affair with Mosta showing complete superiority against a Tarxien side that needs to improve considerably to avoid repercussions for the rest of the season, but it is still too early to judge.
But Mark Miller's Mosta left a very good impression yesterday with Edin Murga a span above the rest with his runs irresistible at times. Most were dominant especially in midfield with Muchardi, Xuereb and Ekani in splendid form.
Newcomer Kotlov also left a very good impression even adding his name to the scorer's sheet. For Tarxien it was a very sad start to the season with only Aleksa Andrejic showing some isolated good moves.
Tarxien created the first danger on six minutes when Miranda Gomez failed to connect in front of goal and from the same action, Mosta goalkeeper Vella made a great save off an Andrejic point blank header. On the other end a Muchardi freekick sailed over the bar.
The game was played a rather slow pace, with Mosta however increasing the pressure. Muchardi and Ekani covered acres and Murga was a constant on the left flank. However Mosta had little or nothing to show for their territorial superiority.
On the half hour Kotlov headed wide a Dexter Xuereb cross and a Gomes deflected shot went inches wide. On 36 minutes Mosta' best chance when Murga had another impressive run on the left and from an acute angle severely tested Briffa who blocked with his foot.
Two minutes later Tarxien's Andrejic again made his presence felt with a dipper that was well blocked by Vella. On 40 minutes Mosta took a deserved lead, with another move on the left flank and Muchardi's cross was well met by defender and captain Tyrone Farrugia who headed beautifuly in the top corner of the net.
Two minutes later Mosta almost doubled the score with a Murga drive just missing the target. Mosta continued to insist and just before the break Tarxien goalkeeper Briffa was outstanding when he made a great save off a Muchardi scorcher following a good move between Gomes and Xuereb, and from the rebound Murga's shot on the turn slightly missed the crossbar.
Just before the interval whistle Tarxien almost drew level when an Andrejic header from a Gomez header just missed the upright.
On the resumption Tarxien pushed forward with Zerafa testing Vella, but Miller's were soon back in command with Jallow missing a sitter in front of goal. However Jallow made amends on 56 minutes with a good run on the left and an inviting cross for Nikita Kotlov who easily slotted home from close range.
Three minutes later Mosta sealed the issue with a third goal with the impressive Edin Murga beating Briffa with a low drive after yet another powerful run on the left flank. It could have been even worse for Tarxien, but Jallow missed another sitter in front of goal.
Finally however Jallow did find the back of the net ten minutes from time after yet another good Kotlov move.