Magical Kotlov inflicts first defeat on Hamrun
Mosta registered a much needed but merited win against a disappointing Hamrun side when in the last match of the six day of the BOV Premier League they won by two goals to nil. The toast of the town was undoubtedly American Nicolaevich Kotlov who played a blinder and scored both goals.
Much more was expected from Hamrun who failed to join Floriana at the top of the table. Following this defeat they are now in third place three points adrift of Floriana and two away from second placed Sirens.
Hamrun went into this match on a positive run of three consecutive wins defeating Tarxien Rainbows, Sirens and Senglea. Mosta, on the other hand, lost their last match against Hibernians and gained only one point from their last four matches.
Just four minutes and Hamrun were presented with a chance to take the lead when Lagzir found Domoraud but his misjudged his header with an open goal at his mercy.
On 14 minutes following a corner from the right side Triston Caruana fired a fierce shot from the edge of the area which just missed out. Mosta responded midway through the first half when Kotlov passed towards Muchardi whose conclusion failed to find the desired destination.
Mosta opened their account midway through the first half when a Morisco free kick was partially saved by Bartolo with the rebound falling into Kotlov’s path who headed into the net.
Ħamrun’s reaction was a rather tame one and on 26 minutes Lagzir’s corner found Cinquini at the far post who headed over the bar.
Nine minutes from the end of the first half Mosta had a golden chance to increase their lead when Murga with only Bartolo to beat sent the ball wide.
On the hour a good run by Soufiane Lagzir ended with the Moroccan’s final shot from the edge of the area sail just over the bar.
Six minutes later with Hamrun attacking Mosta broke on a counter with Kotlov setting up Murga only for his shot to hit the side rigging.
On 70 minutes Bartolo had to be on the alert to save a low drive from close range by Muchardi. Hamrun were now increasing the pressure and just a minute later off a corner taken by Caruana Hamrun went near through a headed effort by Nikolopoulus.
But it was Mosta that against the run of play added their second goal and practically sealed the issue. Muchardi found Kotlov in the area and the American midfielder placed the ball in the corner of the net.
On 90 minutes Muchardi was near to score a third for Mosta when he noticed that goalkeeper Bartolo was out of position but his shot from a distance ended on the roof of the net.