YoHealth Malta Premier – MD11
Tarxien Rainbows…..0
Mosta…………………1
Mosta claimed a narrow victory over Tarxien Rainbows on Matchday 11 of the YoHealth Malta Premier, leaving Tarxien bottom of the table with five points in 11 matches.
In the sixth minute, Tarxien threatened from the right when Quitongo swung in a cross, but De Barros failed to convert from close range. In 14 minutes, a defensive lapse by the Rainbows allowed Okereke to collect and cross towards Emmanuel, who could not apply the finish. In the 17th minute, a foul by Charles resulted in the first yellow card for Mosta. At the half hour, a challenge by Tarxien’s Donsu on Vassallo drew a caution from referee Barbara. In 31 minutes, Mosta went close when Herrera nodded the ball down, yet Agius could not finish, and a Rainbows defender cleared.
At the start of the second half, Tarxien coach Jacques Scerri made the first change, introducing Ibeh for Conceicao. In the 57th minute, Mosta coach Joseph Grech made his first substitution, bringing on Fernandes for Charles. On 60 minutes, an infringement on Fernandes inside the Tarxien box resulted in a penalty, and the same player converted from the spot to give Mosta the lead.
In 64 minutes, Tarxien made a second change as De Oliveira replaced Zango. A minute later, Mosta nearly doubled the advantage, but Bolanos stabbed wide from close range. In the 70th minute, Mosta’s Emmanuel tried his luck from distance, sending the effort off target. A minute later, continued pressure saw Fernandes cross from the right for Da Silva, whose header skimmed just over.
In 74 minutes, Fernandes struck from a central position, and the ball crashed against the upright. A minute later, Mosta made a second substitution with Machado replacing Okereke. In the 76th minute,
Tarxien made a double change, with Xuereb and Dos Santos on for Grima and De Barros respectively. In 80 minutes, Bolanos of Mosta and Dos Santos of Tarxien were both booked after a bout of arguing.
Three minutes from time (87′), Mosta made a double substitution as Farrugia and Eke came on for Agius and Zibo. Seconds before the 90th minute, the Rainbows made their final change with Borg replacing Vella.
Referee: Ishmael Barbara
