PIETÀ HOTSPURS 2

Mensah 1

Pisani 60

GŻIRA UNITED     5

Garba 7, 57

Mengolo 36, 45, 62

Justin Mengolo notched three goals for Gżira United to help his team overcome Pieta Hotspurs for the first time this season. 

Jesmond Zerafa’s team endured a torrid start as a defensive error by Clifford Gatt Baldacchino was pounced on by Pietá striker Gabriel Mensah before hitting past Justin Haber.

However, this goal did not demoralise Gzira who surged forward in search of a quick equaliser.

Seven minutes later, the Maroons equalised.

The Hotspurs failed to clear the ball from corner, Nikolai Muscat headed the ball in the direction of Haruna Garba who darted into the box out from nowhere to head past Nicholas Vella.

A good Gżira move saw Garba loft the ball in the direction of Justin Mengolo. The Cameroon striker advanced unimpeded before picking his spot perfectly as his rasping grounder gave the goalkeeper no chance.

With a couple of seconds to go for half-time, Gzira made it 3-1 when from a low cross by Andrew Cohen, Mengolo forced the ball over the line.

The enterprising football promised good prospects for the second half. Pietá midfielder Neil Pace Cocks gave away possession cheaply in front of his box for Garba taking advantage to lash home from close by.

The Hotspurs were kept in the game through Nicholas Pisani to reduce the deficit on the hour mark.

But two minutes later, Mengolo put the issue beyond doubt when Garba’s effort  from inside the area hit the foot of the post and the ball rolled into the path of Cameroon striker to complete his hat-trick.