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29 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 DECEMBER 2018 SPORTS BOV PREMIER LEAGUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG Sliema bounce back with a convincing win over Pietà SLIEMA Wanderers bounced back from last week's defeat against Balzan with a 3-0 win over Pietà Hotspurs. Sliema made a good start to the Pre- mier League, but struggled to keep the momentum. As a matter of fact, they were coming from a 3-1 defeat against Balzan. Meanwhile, a spirited Pietà side reg- istered two wins and four draws so far and thus obtained ten points. Their aim was to take something from this match in order to make sure that they will remain ahead of Mosta. The new- ly-promoted side lost 3-2 to Ħamrun in their previous encounter. The first half was mediocre with both sides failing to hold on to pos- session. Sliema held the initiative, but could not create as much as they wanted since Pietà remained solid at the back. Sliema threatened Pietà after twelve minutes. John Mintoff delivered a cross towards the unmarked Matias Muchardi whose header sailed slightly off target. Muchardi went close again one min- ute prior to half-time. The Argentin- ian fired a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area that ended up centimetres wide. The Wanderers made a good start to the second half as they forged ahead on the 58th minute. Younes Mar- zouk's powerful shot from a free-kick was parried by Nicholas George Vella. Jefferson De Assis took the rebound and slotted the ball inside the net. Sliema doubled their advantage on the 64th minute. Kllian Amehi deliv- ered a cross towards Nii Nortey Ash- iong whose wonderful volley from inside the penalty area gave Pietà's goalkeeper no chance. Marzouk sealed Sliema's win on the 75th minute. The French-Moroccan footballer went on a good run that saw him going past two defenders before placing the ball past Vella. Muchardi nearly added another goal for Sliema on the 84th minute. The midfielder received the ball from Mar- zouk and drilled a low shot from in- side the penalty area that hit the post. Pietà finally replied on the 88th min- ute. Gabriel Mensah's unleashed a shot from the edge of the penalty area that forced an excellent save from Jake Galea. Despite this chance, Pietà were con- scious that the result was beyond reach as Sliema remained in control to end the first round with an important win. Pietà Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas George Vella, Ose Takaki, Travis Bartolo, Neil Pace Cocks, Dy- lan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busut- til, Gabriel Mensah, Christian Grech, Jalo Ishaya Irmiya, Antonio Orlando Macedo Sliema Wanderers starting line- up: Jake Galea, Matias Muchardi, Kurt Shaw, John Mintoff, Mark Scerri, Jef- ferson De Assis, Nii Nortey Ashong, Frank Temile, Kllian Amehi, Stefano Biancardi, Younes Marzouk Referee: Mario Apap Assistant Referees: Christopher Francalanza, Roberto Vella Fourth Official: Alex Johnson BOV Player of the Match: Younes Marzouk (Sliema) Sliema Pietà 3 0