SLIEMA WANDERERS-4, MELITA-0
Sliema Wanderers returned to winning ways after trouncing Melita 4-0 in today's first Premier League match at the Tedesco Stadium.
Two goals by Ivan Woods in the opening 11 minutes dashed any hopes Melita may have had of following up their victory over Qormi with another positive result as Sliema were in control throughout the match.
Sliema took just six minutes to open the scoring. Ariel Laudisi released Woods who advanced before hitting past Matthew Sapiano.
The Blues' better start yielded a second goal on 11 minutes. They were awarded a penalty after Melita's Karl Vella Petroni tripped Laudisi in the box. Woods beat Sapiano from the spot.
With Melita unable to make a reaction, Sliema remained in control. Luigi Ruggiero finished off a solo run with a central shot which was saved by Sapiano.
Late in the first half, Sliema coach Alfonso Greco was forced to make two substitutions as Ivan Woods and Stefano Bianciardi suffered injuries. They were replaced by Mark Scerri and Josef Mifsud respectively.
Laudisi's long-range free-kick took a deflection which sent the ball towards the far post but Sapiano saved.
On the stroke of half-time, Melita had the ball in the net when Jose Luis Armaro Negrin hit home from Julian Galea's pass but the Spanish striker was in an offside position.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Sapiano pushed away Miguel Ciantar's free-kick but moments later, Sliema went 3-0 ahead thanks to Ruggiero's swerving effort.
In a rare attacking forway, Melita's Luke Micallef fluffed a good opportunity when hitting wide after receiving from Nigel Rizzo.
Midway into the second half, Sliema scored their fourth goal through substitute Alain Faccino who was sent clear by Ruggiero.
Melita were denied a consolation goal when goalkeeper Henry Bonello beat away Jovan Vukanic's long-range drive.
Six minutes from time, Melita missed a great chance to reduce the arrears. They were awarded a penalty after Negrin was brought down by Clifford Gatt Baldacchino in the box but the Spanish striker drove his shot against the crossbar.
Sliema forward Ruggiero was named BOV player of the match.