BOV Premier League | Mosta 3 – Pieta` Hotspurs 2

Pieta` and Mosta faced off each other during the first match at the National Stadium.

Following their win over Hamrun, Mosta were looking to keep the momentum going. On the other hand, the Hotspurs are struggling and find themselves bottom of the table. They were coming from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Balzan.

Mosta threatened Pieta` after 11 minutes. Duane Bonnici’s long range effort sailed off target.

Mark Miller’s side were unlucky not to break the deadlock on the 22nd minute. Dexter Xuereb crossed the ball into the direction of the unmarked Alexander Darlington whose shot was cleared off the line by Juan Manuel Artiaga.

Mosta’s efforts paid off three minutes later. Imeri Demir’s delivery from a corner went into the path of Tyrone Farugia who headed the ball home from close range.

Xuereb doubled Mosta’s advantage on the 37th minute. The Maltese midfielder sent a cross shot that stunned Nicholas Vella.

Pieta` hit back and pulled one back two minutes later. Jan Busuttil’s shot from distance stamped off the upright. Nicholas Pisani took the rebound and headed the ball past Andreas Vella.

During the second half, Pieta` saw more of the ball, but found it hard to find a way past Mosta's defence.

However, they finally managed to equalise on the 76th minute. Uchenna Umeh Calistus squared the ball for Gabriel Mensah who drilled a low shot past Vella.

Celebrations didn’t last long for Pieta` as Mosta scored just four minutes later. Akeem Garnet Roach delivered a low cross towards the unmarked Demir Imeri who placed the ball inside the net from close range.

Pieta` could not find the energy to hit back again. In fact, Mosta nearly added another during the additional time given by the referee. Duane Bonnici unleashed a powerful shot from the right that forced a good save from Nicholas Vella.

Mosta starting line-up: Andreas Vella, Jonas Rodriguez Ekani, Alexander Darlington, Duane Bonnici, Massimo Sammartino, Dexter Xuereb, Rafael Morisco, Tyrone Farrugia, Federico Franchini, Akeem Garnet Roach, Demir Imeri

Pieta` Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas Vella, Neil Pace Cocks, Dylan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Nicholas pisani, Gabriel Mensah, Juan Manuel Artiaga, Stefan Radovanovic, Uchenna Umeh Calistus, Ishaya Irmiya Jalo

Referee: Etienne Mangion

Assistant Referees: Thomas Debono, Ivan Galea

Fourth Official: Emanuel Grech

BOV Player of the Match: Demir Imeri (Mosta)