Naxxar 2; Mosta 0

Naxxar scored two second-half goals to send arch-rivals Mosta reeling.

Naxxar’s Bastos was agonisingly close with a scissor-kick and Messias was denied by Vella after the hour mark when somehow Mosta held out early in the second half. However, as the game proceeded, the more emphatic became Naxxar’s edge.

When Naxxar broke their opponents after 65 minutes, the Lions appeared to be coasting home if their lead was slender. The goal came after an intelligent piece of work by defender Elhadji Ndoye who connected to Daren Falzon’s cross with a looping header which was blocked by Borg. Fenwick pounced onto the rebound to hit the ball home.

By the time Rodriguez Ekani was sent off in the 84th minute after two bookable offences, Mosta’s players look dead on their feet.

Messias saw his shot crashed against the crossbar deep in the injury time.

Naxxar’s second goal was finished off by substitute Duane Bonnici killed any slim hopes Mosta had to save the match.