Goals and drama characterise MatchDay One of 360 Sports Malta Premier
360 Sports Malta Premier MatchDay one provided goals, drama and some unexpected results as the top-flight championship got under way last weekend.
Here is a roundup of all the action from SportsDesk.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (3 – 1) Żabbar St. Patrick FC
Champions Ħamrun Spartans kicked off their title defence when they overcame the challenge of Żabbar St Patrick 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
The Spartans survived the early loss to injury of skipper Steve Borg to dominate much of the first half and take a deserved lead through Raphael Lopes Silva.
Żabbar improved after te break and they drew level on 73 minutes with a firm header from David Oliveira Sousa.
But the Malta champions kept their poise and five minutes later Joseph Mbong put them back in front before Luke Montebello converted a late penalty to seal the points.
Sliema Wanderers FC (2 – 0) Mosta FC
Sliema Wanderers survived the second-half dismissal of Geoffrey Acheampong to see off Mosta 2-0 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
Vito Plut put the Blues ahead after 53 minutes with Mosta ending also with ten men when goalkeeper David Akpan was also shown a red card for a foul on Neil Frendo.
Sliema added a second deep into stoppage time through substitute Serginho.
Gżira United FC (1 – 0) Marsaxlokk FC
A late goal by summer signing Alex Alves handed Gżira United a winning start to their new campaign, when they overcame Marsaxlokk 1-0.
The Maroons produced a commanding performance as they outplayed their more-quoted opponents with Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Marko Drobnjak frustrating them with some fine saves.
However, Gżira were not to be denied as on 89 minutes Thaylor sped through and released the unmarked Alex Alves to fire home.
Birkirkara FC (3 – 3) Balzan FC
Birkirkara and Balzan took a point each in a six-goal thriller at the National Stadium.
Maxuell Maia was Birkirkara’s hero when netting a hat-trick, including a last-gasp penalty that earned his team a draw.
Balzan produced a very encouraging display with their aggressive approach and came close to upset their opponents with goals from Henri Stanic, Nicholas Pulis and Udoywen Akpan.
Floriana FC (3 – 3) Melita FC
Melita enjoyed an encouraging return to the Maltese top-flight when they held Floriana to a 3-3 draw.
Clive Mizzi’s Melita surged into a two-goal lead through Aldair Simanca and Andre.
But Floriana fought back and managed to turn the result in their favour with goals from Carlo Zammit Lonardelli, Kyrian Nwoko and Mattia Veselji.
But Melita refused to lie down and managed to save a point with a last-gasp goal from captain Jean Pierre Attard.
Hibernians FC (2 – 1) Naxxar Lions FC
Hibernians came from a goal down to overcome Naxxar Lions.
However, the Paolites fought back and after Alex Bruno pulled them level from the penalty spot on 34 minutes, it was Jurgen Degabriele who grabbed the winner on 52 minutes.
This roundup was brought to you in association with
