Mark Miller the inspiration as Qormi beat Pieta in direct Relegation clash

Mark Miller inspired his team to another crucial win in their battle for survival and now maintain a comfortable cushion over the drop zone.

Qormi deserved their victory over Pieta, who rarely showed their grit and effort which had seen them win over so many followers of the local game.

Qormi are now three points above tenth placed Tarxien who are still to play Zebbug later today in another relegation decider.

With three matches remaining, and with the other teams involved in the relegation fight playing each other, Pieta knew they had to get something out of their direct encounter with Qormi and with this defeat, safety seems far way off.

After a very slow start to the game, Pieta looked to hold the initiative over their opponents however failing to create any sort of pressure on the Qormi defense.

After failing to do so, Qormi managed to storm in front as soon as they started to attack.  On 20 minutes, January signing Alex Nillson controlled down the ball from a cross down the right flank, with the Swede beating Cassar with a good drive.

Pieta drew level just two minutes inside the second half when off a cross by Claudio Frances, Newuche slid the ball past Farrugia to make it 1-1.

Their joy was short lived however as Qormi regained their lead less than a minute later through villalobos who hit the ball past Cassar after a perfect Alex Nillson cross from the right.

Referee: Clayton Pisani

Man of the Match: Gustavo Villalobos