Plut hands Sliema Wanderers second successive win

MOSTA             0

SLIEMA WANDERERS 1

Plut 50

MOSTA

D. Udoh Akpan, M. Bolanos, P. Afriyie, S. Cachia, J. Chukwuemeka, G. Goncalves (80 S. Kone), C. Failla, N. Agius (70 Z. Brincat), J. Agyemang (46 S. Ojala), S. Okereke, J. Teixeira.

SLIEMA WANDERERS

K. Agu Emeka, J. Borg, N. Frendo, A. Magri Overand, V. Plut (86 H. Barbosa), M. Priadun (63 Wescley), G. Alcino (81 E. Agius), S. Kone (46 S. Pisani), S. Zibo, M. Awad

Referee: Ezekiel Barbara.

Yellow cards: Zibo, Goncalves, Failla, Barbosa, Chukwuemeka.

Vito Plut handed Sliema Wanderers a vital victory and dented Mosta’s push for another Top Six place.

The Slovenian striker was the first to react to Steve Pisani’s freekick to break the deadlock soon after the break as Mosta threatened to frustrate Paul Zammit’s side.

But the Wanderers held on to their precious one-goal advantage and bag their second successive victory.

In an uninspiring first half which was devoid of quality, Myles Beerman had Sliema’s best chance but headed the ball straight into the hands of Mosta goalkeeper David Udoh Akpan following and Adam Magri Overend pass.

On 28 minutes, Mosta almost punished Sliema when Sunday Okereke ran on the right flank and squared the ball for Joshua Agyemang, only to see his effort blocked by Kelvin Agu.

Sliema improved after the break and on 50 minutes they took the lead. Substitute Steve Pisani hit a fine shot from a free-kick that came off the post but Plut was on hand to head the rebound behind Akpan.

Mosta were showing some urgency and started creating clear-cut openings.  

On 67 minutes, Prince Afriyie escaped the attention of the Sliema rearguard, but his attempted lob did not have enough height to beat Agu.

Ten minutes from time, Beerman took full advantage of acres of space he was allowed on the left flank and his far post cross was met by Magri Overand’s volley which finished just wide.

Magri Overend had another glorious chance to double Sliema’s lead four minutes from time, but Akpan blocked his effort.

Mosta had made little attacking impact but at death, Clayton Failla’s far post cross was met by Victor Teixeira’s header but Emeka was up to the task to push around the post.

From the ensuing corner, the Sliema goalkeeper blocked Failla’s inswinger as Sliema held on to take full points.