Vittoriosa Stars

Vittoriosa.S   1   Mosta.FC   1

Much more was expected of Vittoriosa, particularly after Marsaxlokk's partial slip-up in the previous match. But, the Stars failed to shine and finally had to settle for a draw with an improving Mosta side.

The game was balanced with Vittoriosa looking more comfortable when in possession as Oliver Spiteri's Mosta again had to do without goalkeeper Jonathan Debono, Bryan Agius and Kane Farrugia, all suspended.

Vittoriosa started the match with Alex Camilleri in goal, replacing regular Henry Bonello who was on the subs' bench.

The first 20 minutes were rather uneventful and the first real threat came from the Stars when Joseph Chetcuti dashed into the Mosta box but was blocked by young keeper Noel Attard. The ball rolled into the path of Leontin Chitescu who blasted wide.

Mosta responded on the half-hour when Gilbert Martin sped past Jeffrey Chetcuti but his shot fell off target. The Blues were now playing better and on 35 minutes they won a penalty when Martin was pulled down in the box. Mark Briggs beat Camilleri with a low drive from the spot.

Mosta went close four minutes before the break when a Julian Vella cross-shot nearly finished in the path of the unmarked Victor Osobu who failed to make contact inside the six-yard box.

Vittoriosa looked a better lot after the break. A Chetcuti shot was saved by Attard and from the loose ball Beppe Muscat hit over from a good position. At the other end, Mosta almost added a second but Camilleri was quick to dash out of goal to stop Lyden Micallef's charge.

Vittoriosa pressed forward and in the space of a few minutes a contest developed between Chetcuti and Attard, with the keeper coming on top twice following successive shots by the former Qormi playmaker.

The Stars were back on level terms on the hour, however. Chitescu picked up a pass from Chetcuti and curled the ball into the net to make it one-all.

Mosta were stunned and Attard made a fine save to keep out a Chitescu free-kick. Five minutes from time the Romanian was close with a shot from a Makinwa cross.

Micallef's effort from the distance almost had the better of the Stars' keeper as Mosta upped the tempo in the closing stages only for Osobu to miss the target from a good position just before the final whistle.

Vittoriosa: A. Camilleri, P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Xerri, J. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, E. Vella (G. Inguanez), H. Makinwa, J. Chetcuti.

Mosta: N. Attard, A. Borg, L. Stivala, M. Brincat, M. Briggs, J. Vella, L. Grima (T. Vella), L. Micallef, C. Pace (B. Galea), G. Martin, V. Osubu.