Marsaxlokk brush aside Sta Lucia to join Sliema Wanderers in third place

MARSAXLOKK          3         

Fernandinho 4

Bonnici 59

Akinbule 75

SANTA LUCIA           0

MARSAXLOKK

M. Drobnjak, W. Soares, Y. Sousa, N. Muscat (87 D. Zerafa), Y. Messias (75 S. Boakye), D. Bonnici, J. Walker, L. Aguirre (87 G. Camilleri), R. Scicluna (83 J. Ghio), S. Akinbule (83 A. Obonogwu), F. Gomes.

SANTA LUCIA

Celio, M. Ellul, S. Pisani, T. Nagamatsu, A. Bradshaw, J. Pisani, A. Piazza, J. Valletta (37 J. Carbone), P. De Oliveira (60 W. Alves), S. Xerri, E. Gomes (23 D. Xuereb).

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann.

Yellow card Scicluna.

BOV Player of the Match: Nikolai Muscat (Marsaxlokk).

An early goal paved the way for Marsaxlokk as they defeated Santa Lucia 3-0 to re-join Sliema Wanderers in third place.

This was the third win in four matches for Marsaxlokk who therefore confirm their status as one of the most in-form sides in the Premier League this season.

Santa Lucia, on the other hand, were hoping to collect more precious points following the draw with Valletta and the win over Mosta but had to concede their sixth defeat of the season which leaves them third from bottom.

For Marsaxlokk, coach Winston Muscat could not count on the suspended Armah Ayo Vaikainah but opted for further two changes.

Muscat welcomed back in the fray Nikolai Muscat and Ryan Scicluna in the starting line-up along with Yago Ramon Sousa Gomes with Jake Ghio and Samuel Boakye starting on the bench.

On the other hand, Santa Lucia coach Alessandro Zinnari made two changes as Steve Pisani and Jed Valletta replaced Jan Tanti and Gonzalo Virano.

The Southseasiders had a perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes of play.

Fernando Gomes concluded a good move just outside the area by pulling to the left before firing a powerful shot which gave goalkeeper Celio no chance.

Marsaxlokk continued to dictate matters during the first half with Santa Lucia only managing a timid reaction.

Nikolai Muscat missed a good chance for Marsaxlokk hitting wide from inside the area on 40 minutes and three minutes later, Steve Pisani tested Drobnjak with a freekick from the left for Santa Lucia.

Marsaxlokk doubled the score 14 minutes in the second half.

Yuri Messias served Duane Bonnici on the left and the latter slotted the ball past goalkeeper Celio.

Santa Lucia replied with a powerful shot from the left by substitute Wagner Alves, who had just replaced Patrick de Oliveira, two minutes later, but Drobnjak turned the ball into a corner.

Sunday Akinbule almost made it 3-0 on 72 minutes with a fierce shot which, however, ended just over the bar.

However, three minutes later the Nigerian forward was not to be denied.

Jacob Walker provided the assist from the right and Akinbule hit home from close range.

Santa Lucia went close to reducing the gap five minutes later but a powerful shot from outside the area by Wagner Alves ended just over the bar.