Mosta stun Ħamrun Spartans to secure first win in Closing Round

Fontanella comes to Żabbar’s rescue against Tarxien

Ħamrun Spartans missed the chance of ending the Opening Phase of the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round in top spot when they were stunned by bottom side Mosta 2-1 at the National Stadium.

After leaders Floriana were held by Birkirkara on Saturday, the Spartans had the opportunity to go level on points with the Greens with a victory over Mosta on Sunday.

But the Malta champions put on a very disappointing display.

The Reds missed a string of opportunities in the first half before being punished by a clinical Mosta side who took the chances that came their way.

In the end, Mosta held on to their lead to record their first win in the Closing Round while Ħamrun Spartans dropped to three points behind leaders Floriana.

The Spartans created the first chance on 19 minutes when Matthew Guillaumier picked Matias Garcia inside the area and the latter set up Mabong who was denied by the Mosta goalkeeper.
Three minutes later Mouad El Fanis saw his shot saved by Anse Demba.

Ħamrun’s best chance arrived on 24 minutes when Mbong found the unmarked Garcia inside the area but he fired over.

Ħamrun paid dearly for these missed chances as Mosta struck in their first chance on 43 minutes.

Jake Vassallo chipped the ball towards the unmarked Nevin Portelli who rifled the ball home.

On 63 minutes, Camenzuli’s cross was not met by the unmarked Guillaumier; the ball fell to Compri, who fired over.

Instead it was Mosta who doubled their lead when Camenzuli upended Portelli inside the area and the same player made no mistake from the spot.

Ħamrun managed to pull a goal back on 76 minutes when Blessing Eleke tapped home Kleri Serber’s cross.

The Spartans stepped up the pressure but could not find the equaliser as Mosta held on for the win.

Earlier, Żabbar St Patrick needed a stoppage-time goal from Mario Fontanella to rescue a 1-1 draw against Tarxien Rainbows.

It was a crucial point for the Żabbar side, who remain four points clear of second-from-bottom Tarxien.

Żabbar should have taken the lead on 27 minutes when Ayom Mayok was clean through inside the area but he incredibly fired over from close in.

The Saints were unlucky in the first half stoppage time not to take the lead when Mayok’s shot came off the bar.

Instead, it was Tarxien who took the lead when on 53 minutes, Manyluak Aguek fed Patrick Schmidt who fired home.

When it looked as though Tarxien would hold onto their win, Żabbar equalised.

Mario Fontanella adjusted his body well to fire the ball into the Tarxien net and earn a point for his team.