BOV Premier League | Pieta` Hotspurs 0 – Sliema Wanderers 3

Sliema made a good start to the Premier League, but struggled to keep the momentum. As a matter of fact, they were coming from a 3-1 defeat against Balzan.

Meanwhile, a spirited Pieta` side registered two wins and four draws so far and thus obtained ten points. Their aim was to take something from this match in order to make sure that they will remain ahead of Mosta. The newly promoted side lost 3-2 to Ħamrun in their previous encounter.

The first half was mediocre with both sides failing to hold on to possession. Sliema held the initiative, but could not create as much as they wanted since Pieta` remained solid at the back.

Sliema threatened Pieta` after twelve minutes. John Mintoff delivered a cross towards the unmarked Matias Muchardi whose header sailed slightly off target.

Muchardi went close again one minute prior to half-time. The Argentinian fired a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area that ended up centimetres wide.

The Wanderers made a good start to the second half as they forged ahead on the 58th minute. Younes Marzouk’s powerful shot from a free-kick was parried by Nicholas George Vella. Jefferson De Assis took the rebound and slotted the ball inside the net.

Sliema doubled their advantage on the 64th minute. Kllian Amehi delivered a cross towards Nii Nortey Ashiong whose wonderful volley from inside the penalty area gave Pieta’s goalkeeper no chance.

 Marzouk sealed Sliema’s win on the 75th minute. The French- Moroccan footballer went on a good run that saw him going past two defenders before placing the ball past Vella.

Muchardi nearly added another goal for Sliema on the 84th minute. The midfielder received the ball from Marzouk and drilled a low shot from inside the penalty area that hit the post.

Pieta` finally replied on the 88th minute. Gabriel Mensah’s unleashed a shot from the edge of the penalty area that forced an excellent save from Jake Galea.

Despite this chance, Pieta` were conscious that the result was beyond reach as Sliema remained in control to end the first round with an important win.

Pieta’ Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas George Vella, Ose Takaki, Travis Bartolo, Neil Pace Cocks, Dylan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Gabriel Mensah, Christian Grech, Jalo Ishaya Irmiya, Antonio Orlando Macedo

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Jake Galea, Matias Muchardi, Kurt Shaw, John Mintoff, Mark Scerri, Jefferson De Assis, Nii Nortey Ashong, Frank Temile, Kllian Amehi, Stefano Biancardi, Younes Marzouk

Referee: Mario Apap

Assistant Referees: Christopher Francalanza, Roberto Vella

Fourth Official: Alex Johnson

BOV Player of the Match: Younes Marzouk (Sliema)