MOSTA-2, BALZAN-0
Mosta scored twice in the second half to dismiss the challenge of Balzan in today's opening game.
Carlos Campagnoli and Daniel Bogdanovic got the goals that enabled Mosta to bolster their top-six push as the Blues have now leapfrogged Sliema Wanderers into fourth place on 28 points.
Defeat for Balzan, their third in a row, leaves them fifth from bottom on 19 points.
Balzan were the more dangerous side early on. After five minutes, Elton raced clear but out came Mosta goalkeeper Justin Haber to close the angle. Elton's shot came off Haber but the Brazilian was first to the loose ball only for Steve Chiemeka to clear the danger.
Elton then fired over from Pedrinho's corner.
Mosta produced their first noteworthy chance on 20 minutes. Bogdanovic's cross from the right sailed towards Obinna Obiefule but the Nigerian's far-post header hit the top of the crossbar.
At the other end, Balzan defender Yessous Camilleri headed over from Pedrinho's corner.
Bogdanovic was wide with a long-range drive.
Mosta nosed ahead 12 minutes into the second half. Bogdanovic's free-kick was partially cleared by Balzan goalkeeper Fredrick Tabone but Campagnoli was on hand to drive the ball home.
Balzan were lucky not to concede a second when Bogdanovic's cross was deflected onto the crossbar.
Matthew Mendy missed a good chance to level for Balzan when hitting wide from Pedrinho's corner.
The Blues also wasted an inviting opportunity to double their lead when Obiefule met Bogdanovic's corner but the Nigerian's header was saved by Tabone.
With 17 minutes left, Balzan should have made it 1-1 when Pedrinho's set-piece cross drifted above the Mosta defenders and towards Camilleri who headed wide with only Tabone to beat.
With Balzan threatening occasionally, Mosta knew they had to score a second to put their minds at rest.
Bogdanovic should have sealed Mosta's win but volleyed wide after receiving from Cini.
Danail Mitev then managed to lob Tabone after getting on the end of a through-ball but his attempt dropped wide of the near post.
Seven minutes from time, Pedrinho's strong free-kick from the distance was palmed away by Haber. Mendy then headed wide from point blank after meeting Pedrinho's set-piece cross.
Mosta wrapped up the points four minutes from time when Cini flicked a pass to Micallef who got to the byline and hit a perfect cross for the unmarked Bogdanovic to head home.
Bogdanovic was named BOV player of the match.