Mosta’s turbulent season took another blow yesterday with the news that the Premier League strugglers had parted ways with coach Ivan Zammit.

The Blues are in deep relegation trouble after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Gżira United stretched their winless run to nine matches.

Mosta slipped to second-bottom position on nine points, one ahead of Pembroke Athleta and three adrift of 10th-placed Gżira.

That poor run of play and results forced the Mosta administration to act and yesterday they announced that they had relieved Zammit off his first-team coaching duties.

Mosta FC nursery head coach Mark Marlow will be responsible for the team ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Birkirkara at the Hibs Stadium.

For Mosta, this will be the second change on the bench this season.

In October, Edmund Lufi stepped down from his post with Zammit, who at the time was acting as his assistant, promoted to first-team coach.

Since the start of 2016-17 campaign, five clubs in the top flight have stuck with their coaches – leaders Hibernians, Balzan, Valletta, Floriana and Sliema Wanderers.

Stripes’ signing

Birkirkara’s new coach, Nikola Jaros, completed his first signing since replacing Drazen Besek last week when he secured the services of striker Gonzalo Malan.

The Uruguayan held talks with the Stripes on Monday before putting pen to paper on an 18-month contract.

Malan, who played for Uru-guayan side Plaza Colonia before making his move to the Maltese league, could make his first appearance for Birkirkara against Mosta this weekend.

Football results
GFA Division Two: Sannat Lions vs Qala Saints 2-1; Munxar Falcons vs Żebbuġ Rovers 5-3.
IASC League: Mġarr vs Rovers United 1-3; Żurrieq vs Birżebbuġa Tigers 2-1; Żabbar C. Blues vs Safi AFC 3-4.