Marsaxlokk show class to go top

Vittoriosa Stars 0
Marsaxlokk 2

Marsaxlokk continued to confirm that they will take some stopping in their quest to make a quick return to the Premier League when they beat closest rivals Vittoriosa Stars at the Tedesco Stadium.

Patrick Curmi's side were a joy to watch against another strong outfit, Vittoriosa Stars, who like Marsaxlokk were demoted to Division One football following their involvement in the match-fixing cases.

The match turned out to be a balanced affair but once Martin Deanov put them ahead with fine strike, there was no doubt who would leave the Tedesco Stadium with the three points in the bag. With this win, Marsaxlokk are now sole leaders in the BOV First Division.

Marsaxlokk started the match on the offensive but it was Vittoriosa who came close early on.

After seven minutes Romanian Leontin Chitescu proved a handful for the Marsaxlokk rearguard and was fouled just outside the area. From the resulting free-kick Henry Makinwa saw his fierce drive deflected to a corner.

Two minutes later Paul Camilleri dashed into the Marsaxlokk area and his drive was saved by Glenn Zammit.

Marsaxlokk responded on 12 minutes when a William Camenzuli cross-shot finished just over. A minute later a Roderick Bajada cross found Peter Pullicino whose drive was well kept out by Henry Bonello.

Marsaxlokk were now holding the upperhand and on 26 minutes a long-range shot from Camenzuli just missed the target.

Six minutes from the break, Vittoriosa made a good move when Makinwa's run left the Marsaxlokk rearguard in his wake, the 32-year-old striker found the unmarked Camilleri whose first time effort finished just over.

Two minutes later a Kokavessis drive was deflected for a corner and moments later the striker was foiled by Bonello following a fine header.

In the second half both sides continued to play some fast and flowing football and on 52 minutes a Chitescu free-kick was well saved by Zammit.

On 63 minutes Deanov's curling free-kick was ably saved by Bonello as both defences looked strong despite the game being played at a fast pace.

But a goal finally came on 65 minutes when Deanov unleashed a powerful drive from 35 metres out that flew past the helpless Bonello.

Marsaxlokk made the game safe on 77 minutes when Kokavessis pounced on to a Deanov measured pass that split the Vittoriosa defence to shoot home with a low drive.

With five minutes to go a Chitescu free-kick swerved over the goalkeeper and finished inches wide.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello; P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Xerri, J. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, P. Camilleri (M. Borg Olivier), G. Inguanez (C. Cachia), H. Makinwa.

Marsaxlokk: G. Zammit; W. Camenzuli, C. Brincat, E. Yantchev, C. Mamo, F. Raimy, P. Pullicino, G. Sciberras (L. Grech), R. Bajada (T. Templeman), M. Deanov (M. Licari), D. Kokavessis.

Referee: Alan Mario Sant..

Man of the Match: Martin Deanov (Marsaxlokk).

Police probe

It was confirmed yesterday that Saturday's match between Balzan and Mosta is the subject of a police investigation after Balzan filed a report that one of their players had been approached to throw the match.

Mosta FC yesterday issued a statement denying any involvement in the alleged bribery attempt.

The match, at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, finished in a 2-2 draw with Balzan scoring a late equaliser despite playing the final 15 minutes with ten men after they had a player sent off.