Dingli Swallows 1
Mqabba 3
Mqabba celebrated their promotion to the Premier League with an easy 3-1 win over Dingli Swallows.
Played in front of a sizeable crowd, made up mostly of Mqabba fans, the game was a no-contest as Dingli rarely posed any trouble to their jubilant opponents.
Mqabba pushed hard for an early goal but Dingli, despite being without defender Shaun Tellus, were organised and closed all spaces for the opposing strikers.
After only 10 minutes, it was Dingli who went close to taking the lead when Princewill Okachi’s grounder came off the side-netting. But Mqabba went ahead three minutes later when John Paul Muscat’s attempt to score with a scissor-kick sent the ball in the direction of Thiago Mazzitelli who fired home.
The Reds continued to control the match but despite dominating possession for long spells, their pressure was largely ineffective. Nevertheless, Mqabba doubled their lead 10 minutes from half-time, Mazzitelli beating Jeffrey Farrugia with a scorching long-range drive to score his second goal.
After half-time, Mqabba coach Clive Mizzi brought on reserve goalkeeper Kevin Ellul for Kris Calleja, the team captain.
Mqabba remained on top. Eight minutes into the second half, Mazzitelli left several defenders in his wake but his final effort was saved by Farrugia.
On the hour, Mazzitelli failed to control the ball in front of goal and another inviting opportunity went abegging.
Fifteen minutes from time, Muscat was felled by Ryan Sammut in the box and a penalty was given to Mqabba.
Muscat converted from the spot to increase Mqabba’s advantage to three goals.
Seven minutes from time, Dingli Swallows scored a consolation goal when a Leontiev Konda free-kick stunned Ellul who watched helplessly as the ball rolled slowly into the net.
Dingli: J. Farrugia, K. Bonavia (J. Sapiano), K. Pace, R. Sammut, K. Borg, R. Vella (C. Ciappara), K. Formosa, L. Konda, P. Okachi, C. Caruana (K. Asciak), R. Briffa.
Mqabba: K. Calleja (K. Ellul), P. Grima, M. Bonnici, A. Scicluna, B. Timotic, C. Calleja, J.P. Muscat, T. Mazzitelli, A. Cakigi, J. Debattista (M.A. Psaila), S. Magro (O. Farrugia).
Referee: Clayton Pisani.
Man of the match: Thiago Mazzitelli (Mqabba).