Holders Dingli nearly through as Mosta are held

Holders Dingli Swallows made a big step towards qualification to the semi-finals of the First Division knock-out competition when they beat Mqabba 2-0. Dingli, with Jeremy Agius and Etienne Farrugia in tremendous form, showed class that should make them the team to beat in the First Division.

Jesmond Zammit's side went top of Group 1 with some exciting attacking play. They forged ahead on 32 minutes when Jeremy Agius concluded well after some neat skill by Uchanna Anywanna.

Three minutes later Mqabba came close when a Michael Borg Olivier free-kick finished just over the crossbar. Two minutes before the break Dingli made it 2-0 when a Christian Muscat free-kick deceived goalkeeper Kris Calleja.

Mqabba came all out to try to get back into the match as the Dingli defence held firm. But Borislav Giorev side could have reduced the arrears when former Qormi striker Michael Borg Olivier dribbled past several Dingli defenders before firing a firm drive that was well blocked by Jeffrey Farrugia.

On 72 minutes Mqabba came back into the match when Paul Chimezie converted a penalty after a fould on Claudio Calleja.

Earlier in the afternoon, Mosta remained on top of Group 2 after they shared the spoils with Senglea Athletic. The result meant that San Ġwann are out of the running with St Patrick and St George's battling for the other semi-final berth.

This all came about as St George's were handed a 2-0 win against Senglea after winning their protest as Joseph Achokwu played in the derby when his registration had not been filed. Jimmy Briffa's side had won the match on the field by 3-2.

Both Mosta and Senglea had won their first two outings so a win for either side would have meant qualification.

Mosta took the lead on 20 minutes when a Ryan Deguara half-volley hit the upright and finished at the back of the net leaving George Attard helpless. Senglea reacted immediately and equalised on 33 minutes.

Leroy Bonnett picked up a ball from a clearance by his own rearguard, and the Senglea striker hit home from close range. Five minutes from time Adrian Borg should have scored for Michael Molzahn's side but his header following a Ryan Deguara cross finished just over.

On resumption it was Senglea who could have forged ahead when on 51 minutes Bonnet missed a sitter when he shot high and wide from three minutes. On the hour an Anthony Ewurun header for Mosta finished inches wide.

As time went by, the game lost most of its early flurry with both teams looked happy with a point.

Group One: Dingli 6; Pietà H. 5; Mqabba 3; Rabat 2; Vittoriosa 1.

Group Two: Senglea, Mosta 7; St George's 4; St Patrick 3; San Ġwann 1.