Deguara rescues point for Mosta
Mosta 2Senglea athletics 2\nMosta and Senglea had to settle for a point each after a 2-2 draw, a result which suited neither side. Michael Molzahn, formerly of Marsa, made his debut as Mosta coach and although his team showed some improvement, they...
Mosta 2
Senglea athletics 2
\nMosta and Senglea had to settle for a point each after a 2-2 draw, a result which suited neither side.
Michael Molzahn, formerly of Marsa, made his debut as Mosta coach and although his team showed some improvement, they still have a long way to go.
This was a match both sides wanted to win desperately for different reasons. Mosta, early favourites to regain promotion to the Premier League, are currently positioned near the foot of the table.
For their part, Senglea needed the three points to relaunch their promotion challenge. The Yellow-Reds were the better side, technically, but their finishing let them down on many an occasion.
Mosta surged ahead on 23 minutes. Ryan Deguara provided the cross from a corner and Steve Borg rose to head home.
Senglea regrouped quickly and increased the pressure on Mosta but they were rarely dangerous as most of their passes went astray. Seven minutes from half-time, Clint Caruana set off on a solo run but after going past some four players, he shot straight at Joshua Galea. The Senglea player retrieved the ball as the rebound came his way but then, to Mosta's relief, lost his balance.
Senglea dominated the early exchanges after the change of ends. A Frank Ellul free-kick was saved by the Mosta custodian and from the resulting corner, Chima Dozie looked to have scored but Mario Abela cleared the ball off the line.
Mosta's response saw Brian Galea heading wide from a Philip Camilleri corner. Midway through the second half, Senglea debutant Silvio Sciberras was fouled by Abela in the penalty area. From the 11 metres, Sciberras made it 1-1.
Bolstered by their equaliser, Senglea intensified their efforts in attack. It was no surprise when, four minutes later, they forged ahead thanks to a first-time shot by Sciberras which flew in via the crossbar.
Senglea's goal stung Mosta into action. Their rally produced instant dividends as seven minutes from time, Ryan Deguara capped a fine performance by dribbling past a couple of defenders before shooting home from an acute angle.
Mosta: J. Galea, M. Abela (O. Rufai), B. Agius, I. Bilocca (C. Pace), M. Borg, S. Borg, M. Brincat, P. Camilleri (C. Camenzuli), R. Deguara, M. Farrugia, B. Galea.
Senglea: G. Attard, D. Gauci, L. Attard, D. Cosaitis (J. Gatt), M. Borg, S. Sciberras, F. Ellul (J. Fsadni), D. Grech (E. Azzopardi), C. Dozie, T. Thomas, C. Caruana.
Referee: Gordon Barbara.
Man of the Match: Ryan Deguara (Mosta).