MOSTA-0, VALLETTA-3
Michael Mifsud scored a brace as champions Valletta matched Hibs' 37-match unbeaten record with a trouble-free 3-0 victory over Mosta this evening.
Besides stretching their unbeaten run going back to the final months of season 2009/10, Valletta also maintained their 100 per cent to the season, their fourth victory in as many matches taking them two points clear of Hibs whom they meet in their next match.
Mosta created Valletta a few problems in the opening stages. Cameroonian striker Michel Bertrand Mvondo's shot from outside the box was too central to trouble Andrew Hogg, the Valletta goalkeeper.
Valletta threatened to take the lead from their first significant attack. Alfred Effiong burst clear on the right before swinging a cross into the six-yard box but Glenn Zammit, the Mosta goalkeeper, just managed to push the ball away before Michael Mifsud could connect.
The loose ball dropped to Denni who looked sure to score but Zammit showed quick reflexes as he dived to his right to push away the Brazilian's goalbound effort.
Denni then hit over from outside the box but, to their credit, Mosta continued to play good football.
On one occasion, Valletta defender Steve Borg, under pressure from Mvondo, mishit his clearance inside the box as Mvondo applied pressure on the Valletta defender but out came Hogg to close down Mosta's Cameroonian forward.
Valletta struggled to get going but they began to dominate as the first progressed. Their increasing pressure yielded an opener on 28 minutes, Mifsud hammering past Zammit from the right of the box after a brilliant run by Denni had opened the Mosta defence.
Denni came close to getting his name on the scoresheet but his effort was tipped away by Zammit.
Before half-time, Effiong's speed troubled Mosta as the Nigerian made headway through the middle but his rising shot was palmed over the bar by Zammit.
Valletta started like a house on fire. Barbosa fired over after Zammit had beaten away Dyson Falzon's free-kick.
The Citizens went 2-0 up 10 minutes into the second half. Effiong's jinking run into the box was illegally stopped by Kane Farrugia who conceded a penalty. Mifsud made no mistake from the spot to seal the issue for the champions.
Zammit then made two saves to keep out efforts from Denni but the Mosta goalkeeper was beaten for a third time midway into the second half by Barbosa's fine grounder after Effiong had again carved the Mosta defence open with a powerful run.
Denni was named BOV player of the match.