Sliema Wanderers mount late comeback to deny Mosta, Ħamrun back to winning ways against Naxxar

It looked as though Mosta were set to join Żabbar SP and Tarxien Rainbows on the 11-point mark when they surge 2-0 ahead.

But they failed to administer their advantage as Sliema fought back late on to secure a point.

Sliema dominated possession in the first half but it was Mosta who created the better chance.

Sliema goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi had to be at his best to push away Prince’s shot while at the other end Mosta goalkeeper Akpan did well to deny Neil Frendo from close in.

But it was Mosta who struck on 35 minutes when Henrique Murillo’s pass was intercepted by Giancarlo Goncalves who beat Al Tumi with a spectacular lob.

Things got worse for Sliema after the break when first Prince raced inside the area but was denied by the onrushing Al Tumi.

However, Mosta were not to be denied as on 63 minutes Joaquim Fernandes squared the ball to Prince who stabbed home.

But Sliema kept fighting, and substitute Luke Montebello put them back in the reckoning when firing home from close in after being set up by Vito Plut.

Mosta failed to heed the warning signs and Sliema went on to salvage a point when Montebello’s cross was met by Plut who headed home.

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 3

NAXXAR LIONS 0

Ħamrun Spartans remained tied up with Marsaxlokk in second place when they were back to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Naxxar Lions.

It was a morale-boosting win for the Spartans, who came into the match on the back of three successive defeats that rattled their hopes of retaining the league title.

But the Reds provided the right response with a clinical display against the Lions.

Ħamrun took the lead on 35 minutes when Mouad El Fanis hit a thumping drive that was somehow kept out by the Naxxar goalkeeper and from the rebound Damir Ceter was on hand to poke home.

Things got worse for Naxxar a minute from the break, when Gustavo Campos deflected the ball into his own net.

Ħamrun sealed the points 13 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty and Joseph Mbong drilled the ball home.