Christ Evo Ememe notched a hat-trick as Mosta collected their first three points in a 4-1 win over newly-promoted Marsaxlokk at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.
Marsaxlokk had no less than eight new players in their starting line-up, namely Timothy Tabone Desira, Jeferson Mendes, Conor Borg, Santiago Ferraris, Oscar Carniello, Wellington de Sousa, Daniel Agius and Tiago Adan Fonseca with another four new signings being included as substitutes – Ayrton Attard, Alfred Effiong, Dale Mifsud and Santiago Moracci.
Mosta, on the other hand, four changes as Clayton Failla was back after serving a one-match ban, Michael Okoh and Tobi Akiti were handed their debut and Gianluca Sciberras was named in the starting line-up as they replaced Johnson Nsumoh, Tyrone Farrugia, Zachary Brincat and the suspended Roderick Briffa.
The Blues took the lead on the 14th minute when a cross by Jonas Rodrigues Ekani from the right was partially saved by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Fredrick Tabone and Christ Evo Ememe hit home off the rebound.
Christ Evo Ememe doubled the score on the 36th minute, heading home from close range following an inviting cross by Geoffrey Acheampong from the left.
Four minutes later, Mosta scored the third goal when they were awarded a penalty after Gianluca Sciberras was brought down inside the area and Clayton Failla converted from the penalty spot.
Marsaxlokk pulled one back one minute from the end of the first half thanks to Tiago Adan Fonseca who slammed the ball past goalkeeper Ini Etim Akpan following an assist from the left.
Santiago Ferraris was sent off for the Southseasiders after receiving a second yellow card ten minutes from time.
Two minutes from time, Mosta scored a fourth goal as they were awarded another penalty after Zachary Brincat was brought down inside the area and Christ Evo Ememe made no mistake.