A brace by Ian Zammit paved the way for a 3-2 win for Mosta over Pietà Hotspurs as they moved closer to safety pushing the Hotspurs into deeper relegation trouble.

For Noel Coleiro’s side this was the fifth consecutive defeat, leaving them second from bottom, just one point ahead of Qormi. Mosta, on the other hand, move seventh on the 20-point mark.

Pietà went close on the 11th minute with a Jurgen Pisani effort from the left ending just wide and two minuetes later, off a Frances corner from the right, Ricardo Costa’s goal-bound header was cleared off the goal line by a defender.

Mosta managed to take the lead on 24 minutes when off a cross from the right, Ian Zammit’s rising shot beat goalkeeper Miguel Montfort.

On the 36th, Claudio Frances tested Omar Borg with a fine shot from outside the area with the Mosta goalkeeper turning the ball into a corner.

Two minutes from half-time, Mosta were awarded a penalty after Tyrone Farrugia was brought down inside the area and from the penalty spot, Ian Zammit made no mistake to double the score.

Mosta increased the lead eight minutes in the second half when off a cross from the right by Karl Pulo, Udo Fortune hit low with Miguel Montfort saving the ball beyond the goal line.

Pietagrave; pulled one back five minutes later when a Dylon Agius cross was not held by Omar Borg, Jurgen Pisani served Orosco Anonam who placed the ball at the back of the net from close range.

The Hotspurs reduced the gap further on 71 minutes thanks to Claudio Frances who beat Omar Borg when served by Agius.

PIETÀ Miguel Montfort, Cain Attard, Leonardo Fortunato dos Santos, Christian Grech, Jurgen Pisani, Orosco Anonam, Rafael Rodrigues da Silva (70′ Karl Micallef), Joao Gabriel da Silva, Luke Micallef (46′ Kyle Cesare), Claudio Frances, Ricardo Costa (46′ Dylon Agius).
Subs not used: David Cassar, Ayrton Mizzi, Neil Pace Cocks, Travis Bartolo.
Coach: Noel Coleiro

MOSTA Omar Borg, Tyrone Farrugia, Mark Brincat, Ousman Koli, Dyson Falzon, Karl Pulo (53′ James Brincat), Ryan Grech, Kurt Magro, Ian Zammit, Udo Fortune (90+1′ Zak Brincat), Haruna Babangida (85′ Adrian Borg).
Subs not used: Kyle Gerada, Alieu Darbo, Aaron Sammut, Kyle Frendo.
Coach: Peter Smith

Referee: Christopher Lautier
Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Peter Abela
Additional Assistant Referees: Mario Apap, Fyodor Zammit
Fourth Official: David Castillo
Yellow Cards: Montfort, Koli
Scorers: 24′ Ian Zammit, 44′ Ian Zammit pen, 53′ Udo Fortune, 58′ Orosco Anonam, 71′ Claudio Frances
BOV Player of the Match: Ian Zammit