Mqabba boost survival hopes

MQABBA-1, MOSTA-0

A first-half goal by John Nwoba was enough for Mqabba to pull off a vital win over fellow relegation strugglers Mosta in today's opening game at the Tedesco Stadium.

Four consecutive defeats had plunged Mqabba towards the bottom of the table but the Reds bounced back with a plucky performance as they overwhelmed a disappointing Mosta side.

The game was off to a slow start with Mosta creating a couple of half-chances that posed little threat to Mqabba. Obinna Obiefule dallied past a host of Mqabba defenders before flicking the ball to Ian Zammit who mishit his shot. Sheldon Grech then hit wide from Firas Aboulezz's corner but, as the first half progressed, Mqabba took control.

Serbian striker Bojan Mamic directed the ball to John Nwoba whose header was too weak to trouble Jonathan Debono in Mosta's goal. Mamic's overhead volley during a corner action was cleared by Mosta who were clearly struggling to cope with their opponents' increasing pressure.

From a David Fenech corner, Mauro Bonnici rose well at the far post but his header was cleared.It was all Mqabba now. Branislav Timotic drove his shot against the side-netting from Bonnici's cross and, five minutes from half-time, Mosta midfielder Florent Raimy was on hand to clear Nwoba's header over the bar as Mqabba continued to push forward.

Their efforts were rewarded three minutes from half-time when Nwoba headed home from Fenech's right-wing corner.Mosta began the second half aggressively but Mqabba stayed firm. Obiefule's central header was saved by Kris Calleja while Dyson Falzon's long-range drive ended over.

Mqabba's first notable chance of the second half came on 73 minutes when Claudio Calleja's curling free-kick from a wide position was pushed away for a corner by Debono.

Ten minutes from time, Raimy headed wide from Falzon's corner and, deep into stoppage time, Zammit's free-kick from an inviting position came off Mqabba's defensive wall as the Reds held out for a precious win.

Nwoba was named BOV player of the match.