Mifsud gives Mosta win over Sta Lucia

STA LUCIA    2     

Rosero 51, 75

MOSTA               3       

Naah 31, 47; Mifsud 79

STA LUCIA: M. Montfort-6, T. Tabone Desira-6, A. Rodrigues-5.5, E. Uzeh-5.5, K. Correia-5.5, Magri Overend-6 (84 M. Camilleri), N. Pulis-5.5 (84 K. Xuereb), A. Da Silva-6, K. Rosero-6.5, J. Zerafa-5.5 (52’ L. Motta), A. Caseres-6.

MOSTA: C. Mafoumbi-6.5, D. Debono-5.5 (71 O. Sammut), C. Ememe-6, G. Sciberras-5.5 (46 N. Agius)(90 L. Portelli), T. Farrugia-6, D. Naah-6.5, R. Morisco-6, Z. Brincat-6, J. Ekani-5.5, W. Donkin-5.5 (62 M. Mifsud).

Referee: Emanuel Grech

Yellow Cards: Rosero, Ememe, Magri Overend, Mafoumbi, Brincat

BOV Player of the Match: Kevin Ante Rosero

Mosta earned three precious points after defeating Sta Lucia by the odd goal in five in an entertaining clash.

This was the third consecutive positive result for Mosta which shows that they have put behind them a winless streak of five matches. Although they are still sixth, they now lie in a much more comfortable position as they move three points clear of Valletta and four ahead of Sta Lucia.

Mosta made no less than five changes from their previous outing as Johann Bezzina, Michael Mifsud, the injured Bojan Kaljevic and the suspended Clayton Failla and Kevin Tulimieri made way for Dejan Debono, Matias Muchardi, Gianluca Sciberras, Christ Ememe and Zachary Brincat.

Sta Lucia, on the other hand, made one change from the team which lost narrowly to Valletta and Edafe Uzeh replaced Rei Tachikawa. They are now in a desperate need to return to winning ways as they no longer enjoy a comfortable cushion over the teams fighting to avoid relegation.

In the early stages, Sta Lucia held the initiative but their best attempt was a good effort by Adam Magri Overend from the left which was parried by Christoffer Mafoumbi on 27 minutes.

Against the run of play, Mosta took the lead on 31 minutes when Divine Naah pounced on an erratic back pass and advanced upfield, beating Miguel Montfort with a low shot from inside the area.

A fierce shot by Ememe was neutralised by Montfort five minutes from the end of the first half.

Two minutes in the second half, Mosta doubled the score. Brincat had a shot from outside the area saved partially by Montfort and off the rebound, Naah placed the ball at the back of the net.

Sta Lucia reduced the gap on 51 minutes when off a cross by Da Silva from the right, there was an erratic clearance by Debono on an Augusto Caseres’ header with Caseres regaining possession and hitting low and Farrugia blocking his attempt. Kevin Ante Rosero placed the ball at the back of the net off the rebound.

Oliver Spiteri’s side gained more confidence, equalising on 75 minutes. Leandro Motta delivered a cross from the left and Rosero headed home in style past goalkeeper Mafoumbi.

Two minutes later, Timothy Tabone Desira was unlucky not to put Santa Lucia ahead for the first time but his powerful drive hit the upright. 

However Mosta regained the lead on 79 minutes. Brincat served substitute Michael Mifsud from the left and the latter slotted past goalkeeper Montfort.