Asceric goal extends Valletta’s unbeaten start

VALLETTA                     1SLIEMA WANDERERS 0 An early goal by Serbian striker Nikola Asceric earned Valletta a narrow 1-0 win over Sliema Wanderers and extended the Citizens’ unbeaten start to four matches.  Valletta are second in the standings on 10 points, two behind leaders Gżira United. Sliema were the better team in the early stages, creating two chances through Frank Temile, whose effort was saved by goalkeeper Henry Bonello, and a goal by Jefferson was disallowed for offside. The Whites scored the all-important goal in the 14th minute. Asceric connected perfectly with Michael Mifsud’s cross from the right to hit home, his first goal since joining Valletta in the summer transfer window. The lanky Serb had another chance few minutes later but his header sailed high. For Sliema, a free-kick by Riccardo Correa was stopped by Bonello. In the second half, Valletta were in control and both goalkeepers were rarely tested. Valletta had efforts by Santiago Malano and Raed Saleh going wide. Sliema only threatened in stoppage time when Bonello produced a good save to push away Correa Duarte’s free-kick as Valletta held out for an important win. MOSTA                         3TARXIEN RAINBOWS 1 Mosta claimed their second win after seeing off strugglers Tarxien Rainbows who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. After a goalless first half, Mosta broke the deadlock three minutes into the second period. Godwin Blessing rifled home after meeting a cross from Thomas Veronese. Tarxien made an immediate reaction to equalise after only four minutes. Ryan Darmanin’s powerful shot had the better of Mosta goalkeeper Andreas Vella. Mosta retained their composure and regained the lead six minutes later when a header by Veronese was partially saved by Christian Cassar and, from the rebound, Leonardo Ferreira hit home. Johann Scicluna’s team sealed the issue on the hour mark when a free-kick by Tyrone Farrugia came off the post and from the rebound, Martins Fernandes stabbed the ball into the net.