MOSTA-1, NAXXAR LIONS-2
Naxxar Lions have retained their Premier League status after defeating rivals Mosta 2-1 in an exciting derby this evening.
Second-half goals from Terence Vella and Gilmar handed the three points to Naxxar who went into their final-day match needing only a draw to avoid a relegation-promotion play-off.
The defeat left Mosta still in danger of losing their place in the top-flight with the Blues to face Division One side Gzira United in the decider next Friday.
Naxxar were by far the more dangerous side, creating a host of chances but they were denied by Mosta goalkeeper Omar Borg.
Only three minutes passed when Angus Buhagiar was first to Gilmar's corner but the right-back's close-range flick was deflected wide.
Gilmar again took the corner which was only half-cleared by the Mosta defence with the ball landing at the feet of Jorge whose swerving effort from the edge of the area hit the far post.
Naxxar continued to attack. On 14 minutes, Pablo Doffo swept past his marker to create space for a shot but his effort was pushed away by Omar Borg, the Mosta goalkeeper.
At the other end, Mosta's Kyle Frendo hit over from the distance.
Mosta came close to taking the lead midway into the first half but for a good save from Julian Azzopardi who sprinted off his line to keep out Udo Fortune's close-range strike.
But Naxxar continued to produce the better chances.
Jorge, running through to reach Gilmar's pass, outsprinted Borg but the Brazilian went too wide of goal.
Mosta also threatened through Mickael Nicoise whowas wide from outside the box.
Borg again denied Naxxar when fisting away Jorge's grounder.
Four minutes from half-time, the Mosta goalkeeper made another fine save to beat away Doffo's drive.
Borg's show continued as he made another good intervention to keep out Gilmar's long-range strike.
Mosta improved in the second half but it was Naxxar who seized the lead on 69 minutes. Gilmar's cross, from a free-kick, sailed towards Terence Vella whose downward header had the better of Borg.
Tension rose in the stands as young Mosta fan, slipping the attentions of the police officers, jumped over the perimeter wall and sprinted towards the section housing the opposing supporters. He even had time to take off his shirt before being arrested by the police.
Naxxar kept their focus.
After Buhagiar lifted high from an excellent position, Naxxar doubled their lead four minutes from time. They hit on the counter, Jorge running forward before setting up Gilmar whose firm drive gave Borg no chance.
Tyrone Farrugia pulled one back for Mosta, beating Azzopardi with a backward header from Kyle Frendo's cross, but there was no time for the Blues to force a comeback.
Gilmar, the Naxxar forward, was named BOV player of the match.