Mqabba hammer Marsaxlokk to boost survival chances

Marsaxlokk 0 Mqabba 4

Billed as a must-win game against the already-doomed Southseasiders, Clive Mizzi's side hammered their opponents in a manner to instil confidence in their supporters for the challenges ahead.

Mqabba enjoyed a fruitful start when taking a 2-0 lead inside the first half an hour Mamic latched on to a 27-th minute header by Claudio Calleja before beating the challenge of Patrick Borg to plant past Christian Cassar.

A minute later, Mauro Bonnici was behind the perfect service to Mazitelli who beat Cassar with a precise diagonal shot.

There was nothing of note other than these goals expect for an effort by Mauro Bonnici after 17 minutes when the defender received the ball from Thiago Mazitelli but his shot took a deflection off Jonathan Xerri and struck Christian Cassar's leg with the ball finished in a corner.

Bouyed by their two-goal cushion Mqabba opted to sit back but Anton Cremona's men still afforded them far too much time and space - which was not a surprise considering their precarious position.

And Mqabba generated some momentum after 65 minutes when Julian Briffa took flight on a solo run on the right flank but Cassar standing boldly in goal to divert his effort for a corner. Substitute David Azzopardi's shot in the 74th minute went just wide courtesy of a deflection.

The Reds eventually increased their lead six minutes from time when Mamic released Mazitelli before the Brazilian unleashed a delicate chip over the onrushing Cassar.

Five minutes later, the Brazilian turned provider when Marsaxlokk defence dozed, allowing Mamic to loop in a header just before the final whistle.