MOSTA-1, BALZAN YOUTHS-0

Mosta recovered from a poor first half to beat Balzan Youths 1-0 thanks to a fine goal from Cameroon-born striker Michel Bertrand Maki Mvondo.

The game was generally dull with Balzan shading the first half only to forfeit the initiative to their opponents in the second.

Victory is a significant boost for relegation strugglers Mosta who have now moved on the 10-point mark.

A drab first half produced few scoring opportunities as the two sides struggled to get going.

Balzan forward Pedrinho had a free-kick saved by Mosta goalkeeper Jonathan Debono on 16 minutes. Moments later, Pedrinho hit another low free-kick that ended wide of the far post.

Balzan were the better of two unimpressive teams in the first half but were denied by Mosta goalkeeper Debono who saved efforts from Miguel Ciantar and Clifton Ciantar.

Mosta had to wait until the 35th minute to create their first chance. Mvondo, advancing on the right wing, touched the ball to Kurt Magro who powered through the middle but his attempted chip was too central to trouble Matthew Camilleri in Balzan's goal.

Hopes of a better second half increased when, three minutes after the restart, Mosta took the lead. Jonathan Bajada set up Michel Maki Mvondo who beat Camilleri with an excellent volley.

Mvondo came close to increasing Mosta's lead but his shot was turned away by Camilleri.

Mosta maintained their momentum. Aboulezz had a low drive turned away for a corner by the Balzan goalkeeper and, minutes later, Zammit fired over from a free-kick.

It was not before the 68th minute that Balzan produced their first scoring chance of the second half. Pedrinho's corner from the right was deflected towards Renie Forace whose first-time grounder was kept out by Debono.

Balzan played the last 15 minutes with 10 men after Nikola Tasic was forced off by injury and coach Ivan Zammit had already effected his three substitutions.

Pedrinho's cross from a free-kick sparked another goalmouth scramble but Clifton Ciantar mishit his effort.

Mosta striker Mvondo was named BOV player of the match.