Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1062629
28 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 DECEMBER 2018 BOV PREMIER LEAGUE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG Mosta emerge victorious in direct clash for relegation MOSTA breathed a sigh of relief as they secured a 2-0 win over Qormi that puts them further away from the danger zone. Both sides came into this match look- ing to end the first round on a high note following a disappointing campaign so far. Mosta's last win dates back to the 16th of September when they secured a 3-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows. How- ever, they held title contenders Gżira United in their previous encounter. On the other hand, Qormi also strug- gled so far. The newly-promoted side managed to collect just four points so far and currently sit at the bottom of the table together with Senglea. Their first and only win so far was registered on the 17th of August. Therefore, obtain- ing points from this game was a must for Mario Muscat's men. Mosta created the first opportunity of the match on the 16th minute. From a free-kick, Misael Miranda Gomez de- livered the ball towards Steven Bonnici whose effort was neutralised by Jamie Azzopardi. Miller's side kept pushing on and forged ahead on the 23rd minute. Zach- ary Brincat's cross from the left was met by Yuri Cisotto and the latter slotted the ball home. Qormi hit back immediately. Tensior Gusman fired a volley from the edge of the penalty area that forced an excellent save from Andreas Vella. Gusman threatened Mosta again on the 26th minute. Following a cross in- side the penalty area, Mosta's defence failed to clear their marks with the ball following for the Maltese forward who fired over from inside the penalty area. Azzopardi denied Mosta from increas- ing their advantage on the 31st minute. Miranda Gomez's delivery from a cor- ner went into the path of Rafael Da Silva Morisco whose acrobatic effort was pushed away by Qormi's custodian. Bonnici took the rebound and fired an- other shot, but found the young goal- keeper in his way. The post denied Qormi on the 35th minute. Freud Nadere Gnin- dokponou's cross-shot from the left stamped off the upright. Antonio Rozzi tried to slot the ball inside the net, but failed to conclude. During the remaining minutes, nei- ther side managed to create opportuni- ties on goal as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Mosta. Mosta started the second half on the offensive and were unlucky not to score again on the 54th minute. Massimo Sammartino delivered a cross from a free-kick towards the unmarked Davy Claude Angan N'Guessan whose pow- erful header was saved by Azzopardi in a spectacular fashion. However, Azzopardi could not do any- thing to keep Qormi in the game on the hour mark. Miranda Gomez sent Angan N'Guessan through on goal and the Ivo- rian player drilled a low shot that ended up inside the net. Mosta kept on insisting and cre- ated another chance on the 68th min- ute. Cisotti squared the ball for Angan N'Guessan and the latter sent a diago- nal shot that was saved by Azzopardi. On the 73rd minute, Cisotti of Mosta fired a low shot that sailed marginally off target. Five minutes later, it was Miranda Gomez who tested Azzopardi. The Mexican midfielder sent a shot from outside the penalty area that was saved by Qormi's goalkeeper. Qormi struggled to get out of their half during the remaining minutes as Mosta remained superior to take home the three points which might prove crucial. Mosta starting line-up: Andreas Vella, Kyle Frendo, Massimo Sammar- tino, Rafael Morisco Da Silva, Misael Miranda Gomez, Davy Claude Angan N'Guessan, Steven Bonnici, Zachary Brincat, Juri Cisotti, Romeu Pericle Ro- mao, Francesco Mazzavilliani Qormi starting line-up: Jamie Azzo- pardi, Freud Nadere Gnindokponou, Davide Mansi, Tannick Yankam, Anot- nio Rozzi, Mario Andres Arrieta, Alan Abela, Michael Borg, Danny Kabeya, Iven Zammit, Tensior Gusman Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann Assistant Referees: Thomas Debono, Ivan Galea Fourth Official: Etienne Mangion BOV Player of the Match: Yuri Ci- sotti (Mosta) Mosta Qormi 2 0