Mosta claim a precious victory

After six consecutive defeats, Mosta returned to winning ways as they beat Tarxien Rainbows 3-1 to open a five-point lead over bottom team Pembroke Athleta, and now they are the favourites to avoid direct relegation.

Despite their turbulances in the season, Mosta can finish a difficult season by playing and winning the play-off, to keep playing in the Premier Division again.

Both teams are facing difficulties and also recently had changes in their technical team. Tarxien were led by their captain Triston Caruana for the second consecutive game, while Johann Scicluna was promoted to first-team coach after the sacking of Hornyak.

Mosta opened the score after just three minutes when Calcado passed on the right to Njongo Priso who scored from a difficult position.

Tarxien’s reaction came on the 15th minute when goalkeeper Cini and the Mosta defender managed to block consecutive efforts from Nilsson and Galea.

On the half hour mark, Mosta doubled their lead as it was again Calcado who provided the assist, this time passing on the left to David Fenech who managed to beat Cassar with a swerved shot.

Tarxien tried to enter back in the game and went close on the 66th minute when Nilsson dribbled passed the Mosta defence but found Cini ready to tip the effort to a corner.

Ten minutes from the end, Tarxien managed to reduce the deficit, but with a bit of luck, as Rodriguez Ekani headed past his own goalkeeper.

But Mosta reacted quickly, and closed the affair four minutes later.

Substitute Dexter Xuereb, passed to Njongo Priso who beat Andrea Cassar with a low shot.