Reid hits last-gasp winner against Mosta

MOSTA 2

Failla 57 pen.; Akinbule 78

SIRENS 3

Jackson 9; Vieira 41; Reid 82 pen.

MOSTA: H. Mafoumbi-5, R. Briffa-5.5 (74 M. Mifsud), W. Donkin-6.5, C. Failla-6, J. Nsumoh-5 (64 D. Bonnici), J. Bezzina-6, T. Farrugia-6, I.Doric-5 (64 R. Ekani), L. Riascos-6, R. Morisco-5, S. Akinbule-5.5

SIRENS: J. Debono-6, A. Blanco-6, R. Tachikawa-5, K, Reid-7, A. Borg-5.5, J. Walker-6.5, C. Borg-6 (90F. Avoce), A. Cini-5, C. Riascos-6, D. Jackson-7 (88 B. Gavrila), V. Vieira-6 (56 A.Effiong-6).

Referee: Ishmael Barbara

Yellow card: Farrugia, Doric, Briffa, Jackson, Mafoumbi

BOV Player of the match: Degran Jackson (Sirens)

Kemar Reid’s last-gasp penalty settled an eventful match against Mosta and delivered a huge boost to Sirens’ hopes of avoiding relegation.

In a topsy-turvy game, which saw Mosta cancel out Sirens’ two-goal cushion with a second-half surge, Reid made the decisive contribution when he buried his shot behind Christoffer Mafoumbi.

It looked like both sides would have settled for a point but that late twist not only provided a huge morale lift to Sirens but placed them sixth as they leapfrogged  Gzira and Balzan.

Mosta’s 4-1-4-1 formation was providing little cover for their back four – but to their credit, they did get forward to support lone striker Sunday Akinbule whenever possible. On seven minutes, Tyrone Farrugia’s long-distance punt almost surprised Jonathan Debono after Akinbule chested down the ball but the Sirens goalkeeper made an unconventional save with the knees.

But Mosta had already given an indication of their defensive nerves in the opening minutes and after nine minutes, Degran Jackson fired home from close-range after being set up by Carlos Riascos.

Shy the hour mark, Farrugia’s speculative long-range shot took a wicked bounce in front of Debono who had to tip the ball over the bar.

The Blues had another chance to recover, with striker Johnson Nsumoh firing straight at Debono.

But Mario Muscat’s side were undone by Reid’s through ball and Vitor Vieira’s equally well-placed finish doubled Sirens’ lead. In fact, Jackson worked a great opening with some fluid football on the right flank, and Vieira arrived at the far post to hammer home Reid’s cross.

Sirens continued in the same vein after the break and Vieira danced and dazzled his way into the box. Although there were three Mosta shirts in close proximity, he squared it for Reid who was unlucky to see his shot smashed against the crossbar.

Mosta needed a break – and they got it when they were awarded a penalty after 57 minutes after Debono brought William Donkin down in the box. Clayton Failla swept the resulting penalty into the bottom right corner.

Mosta suffered another scare on 73 minutes when Jackson’s cross looked certain to be turned in by Reid but Christoffer Mafoumbi blocked the Jamaican’s header.

But the Blues went all out for an equaliser and after several misses, they drew 2-2. Donkin knocked a ball across the face of goal towards a completely unmarked Akinbule to hit the ball behind Debono.

Mosta’s joy was short-lived as there was further drama when substitute Alfred Effiong won a penalty after being judged to have been fouled by Mafoumbi. From the ensuing spot-kick, Reid gave Winston Muscat’s men what could be a priceless win.