Mosta stun Wanderers to clinch last eight spot

Mosta produced one of the Trophies surprises when they defeated Sliema Wanderers by the odd goal in three. Though both teams hailed from the BOV Premier League Mosta’s recent form left much to be desired but they put their league problems on the side to achieve a memorable win.

Sliema are currently seventh and Mosta twelfth with relegation worries on their shoulders. In the previous round Mosta defeated Senglea by a 3-2 scoreline after extra time and reversing a 2-0 deficit. They have won just one game out of their last twelve games and in their last outing they lost against Sen- glea in a direct relegation battle.

Sliema on the other hand beat neighbours St. Andrew’s by two goals to nil. The Wanderers drew their last match against Floriana by a 1-1 score.

The Wanderers had the first chance of the game but Jefferson’s long range shot sailed over the bar. Sliema threatened again on 9 minutes but an effort by Marzouk missed the target.

Sliema were dominating possession but failed to break the opposing defence. They only tried to find the net through shots from the distance or set pieces.

Mosta responded through Sammartino only for his low drive to be deflected into a corner. And from the resultant corner Mosta drew first blood. Juri Cisotti found Kyle Frendo with the latter finding the net for Mosta’s opener. A goal that came against the run of play.

Sliema reaction was an immediate one and Marzouk just missed the target with a headed effort. And three minutes from the end of the first half they drew level. It was the same Marzouk who struck a shot from just outside the area beating Moto all ends up.

And on the stroke of half time Marzouk nearly gave Sliema the lead but the Mosta custodian was alert to stop his effort.

On the change of ends Mosta did the early running and only five minutes had elapsed when they scored what proved to be the winner and qualifying goal. Morisco’s free kick was fumbled by Galea with N’Guessan deflecting the ball into the net.

Mosta kept composure and defended stubbornly. Sliema had only few half chances to their account. With the final whistle met with euphoria by the Mosta players, staff and supporters who achieved what many thought was a mountainous task.

This win will be a morale-booster for harder days to come fighting against relegation.

Mosta kept their skill and structure for the remaining minutes of the second half to knock-out Sliema and register a morale-boosting victory.

Photo: Joseph Galea