GZIRA UNITED 1
Avila Perez 60 pen
MOSTA 4
Roberts 31,83; Matteus 55, Milovanovic 90

Mosta beat the challenge of last year’s semi-finalists Gzira United to secure a place in the last eight.

Mosta were prudent in the opening exchanges but having weathered Gzira’s early flurry, the Blues gradually began to impose their superior technical qualities. After an early shot by Ryan Dalli which Kyle Gerada tipped over the bar, Mosta went on the warpath.

Just past the hour mark, Mosta won a free-kick few metres out the area. From the ensuing dead ball, Gary Roberts curled an inswinger into the top corner of the net.

Ten minutes into the restart, Mosta doubled their lead with a fluid move involving Diogo, Ian Zammit and Matteus. The former Valletta striker chested the ball down for Diogo who did well to find Matteus with a perfect lob before the striker shot low past Tabone.

Gzira reduced the gap against the run of play on the hour mark. The goal came from a penalty when Tyrone Farrugia was adjudged to have handled Anthony Ewerum’s cross. From the spot, Moises Avila Perez made no mistake.

Six minutes from time, Roberts restored the two-goal cushion after fine work by Zammit opened a clear way for the midfielder to apply the killer touch with a low shot from outside the box.

Just before the final whistle, Gzira were staring blankly as Mosta scored their fourth goal with a brilliant swerving shot into the top corner from substitute Nemja Milovanovic after being released by Zachary Brincat on for Matteus, with an audacious back-heel.