BOV Premier League | Mosta 0 – Ħamrun Spartans 0

Ħamrun came into this match looking to bounce back from their unexpected defeat at the hands of Tarxien Rainbows. On the other hand, Mosta were also looking to return to winning ways as they were defeated by Balzan in their previous encounter.

During the early stages of the match, both sides exchanged possession inside the centre of the pitch with neither team threatening the opposing defence.

In fact, supporters had to wait till the 24th minute to witness a chance on goal. Francesco Marra of Ħamrun delivered the ball towards Caetano Calil who finished off target from an ideal position.

Mosta hit back on the 35th minute. Following a defensive mistake by Ħamrun’s defenders, Falou Ndiaye Samb sent a shot that was neutralised by Emmauel Bartolo.

Four minutes later, Renan Abner De Oliveira tried his luck from distance, but his effort failed to hit the target.

The Spartans were unlucky not to forge ahead on the brink of half-time. Mosta’s defenders failed to clear their lines following a free-kick. The ball fell for Karl Micallef and the latter unleashed a powerful drive that stamped off the upright.

Ħamrun went close again two minutes into the second half. Calil’s shot from outside the penalty area was saved by Vella in two attempts.

However, Giovanni Tedesco’s side suffered a setback as they were reduced to ten men on the 58th minute. Misael Miranda Gomez was played through on goal and ran towards the penalty area. Emmanuel Bartolo rushed forward and brought him down leaving the referee with no option but to send him off as he denied a clear chance on goal.

Despite playing with ten men, the Spartans remained organised and lost a golden opportunity on the 84th minute. Ryan Darmanin squared the ball for the unmarked Sebastian Nayar whose shot from inside the penalty area was blocked by Vella.

Vella had to be on the alert once more a minute later. Following a cross inside the penalty area, Nayar directed the ball goal wards, but found Mosta’s goalkeeper in his way.

Nayar lost another opportunity on the 90th minute. The Argentine’s shot from a free-kick ended up marginally over.

Mosta starting line-up: Andreas Vella, Alessio De Cerchio, Kei Hirose, Renan Abner De Oliveira, Massimo Sammartino, Misael Miranda Gomez, Tyrone Farrugia, Steven Bonnici, Zachary Brincat, Romeu Romao, Ndiaye Falou Samb

Ħamrun Spartans starting line-up: Emmanuel Bartolo, Antonio Monticelli, Enrico pepè, Sebastian Nayar, Carlos Hernan Henneberg, Matthew Gauci, Karl Micallef, Orestis Nikolopoulos, Caetano Calil, Bradley Schembri, Francesco Marra

Referee: Philip Farrugia

Assistant Referees: William Debattista, Edward Spiteri

Fourth Official: Glen Tonna

BOV Player of the Match: Kei Hirose (Mosta)