Mosta scored twice in the second half to beat Zebbug. Photo: Jason Borg

Żebbuġ Rangers 0
Mosta 2
Kaljevic 56 pen; 73;

Bojan Kaljevic struck twice in the second half as Mosta beat Żebbuġ Rangers to make it three wins from three matches yesterday.

The Blues had only one change from their previous outing, James Brincat starting ahead of Sasa Jovanovic.

Jesmond Zammit’s XI showed three changes from the 4-0 loss to Birkirkara as goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia was preferred to Fabricio, Lee Galea replaced Jacob Borg and Ratko Mandic was drafted back into the first team at the expense of Matthew Gauci.

Mosta enjoyed more possession early on, without extending the Rangers defence. However, on 24 minutes, having cleared a Mosta corner, Żebbuġ were quick to get the ball to Matthew Bartolo who raced clear only to see Adrian Borg on hand to hook the ball off the line.

Before half-time, James Brincat teed up Daniel Mariano Bueno who mustered a fierce drive but Farrugia saved in two attempts. At the other end, Mathias Muchiardi delivered a teasing cross-shot that flew across the face of goal.

Barely had the second half got underway when Kurt Zammit slipped the ball to Bueno who dragged in an inviting cross which just eluded Kaljevic.

Rangers let out a sigh of relief but their reprieve was temporary.

On 56 minutes, Manolito Micallef’s surge into the box was halted by the sliding Clifford Gauci, prompting referee Sandro Spiteri to order a penalty. From the spot-kick, Kaljevic sent Farrugia the wrong way.

Three minutes later, the referee pointed to the spot again after ruling that Gauci had pushed Micallef inside the Żebbuġ box.

This time, however, Kaljevic crashed his penalty against the foot of the post.

The game remained lively and Kaljevic made amends to his previous error when scoring his second goal for Mosta. Micallef was the provider as his corner soared towards the Montenegro striker who headed home.

Six minutes from time, it was Zebbuġ’s turn to be awarded a penalty after substitute Zammit was adjudged to have fouled Britto inside the box.

The Brazilian striker picked himself up to take the penalty but his spot-kick was touched away by Omar Borg for his second penalty save in three matches.

Żebbuġ Rangers
J. Farrugia-6, L. Galea-5, J. Diaz-5, Y. Camilleri-5, R. Mandic-5.5, C. Gauci-4.5 (80 M. Ciantar), M. Muchiardi-6, C. Monti-5.5, M. Britto-5, T. Paris-5, M. Bartolo-5.

Mosta
O. Borg-7, T. Farrugia-6, M. Micallef-7, D. Falzon-6, K. Magro-5.5, D. Bueno-6.5 (88 Sasa Jovanovic), B. Kaljevic-6.5 (88 R. Ekani), N. Milovanovic-5.5, A. Borg-6, R. Grech-6, J. Brincat-5 (46 K. Zammit-5).

Referee: Sandro Spiteri.

Missed penalties: Kaljevic (M) 59; Britto (ŻR) 84.

Yellow cards: Kaljevic, Diaz, Britto.

BOV player of the match: Bojan Kaljevic (Mosta).