Sliema Wanderers registered their third successive victory after overcoming a spirited second-half fightback from Mosta to claim a 3-1 win.

The Wanderers appeared firmly in control after Gustavo Alcino and Nikolaos Karelis struck inside the opening 16 minutes, but Giancarlo Goncalves pulled one back for Mosta on the hour.

Mosta then pushed hard for an equaliser before Brian Gambarte struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for Sliema.

The Wanderers took control from the early stages and broke the deadlock after just six minutes when Alcino latched onto the ball and fired past Mosta goalkeeper David Akpan.

Mosta attempted to respond, but Sliema continued to enjoy the better of the midfield exchanges and doubled their advantage after 16 minutes.

Karelis did well to maintain his balance before directing his effort into the bottom corner to put Sliema firmly in command.

The Wanderers remained on top for much of the opening half, although Mosta began to show signs of improvement as the interval approached.

Giancarlo Goncalves broke down the right and delivered a low cross towards Nevin Portelli, who was unable to make contact from close range.

Goncalves threatened again during first-half stoppage time when his acrobatic effort was superbly turned behind by Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Mosta emerged for the second half with renewed determination and succeeded in reducing the deficit on the hour.

Goncalves raced into the penalty area before producing a clever finish, chipping the ball over the advancing Bonello to make it 2-1.

That goal transformed the contest and Mosta came within inches of drawing level nine minutes later. Prince won possession just outside the Sliema penalty area and the ball fell to Goncalves, whose powerful drive flashed narrowly past the upright.

Sliema had an opportunity to restore their two-goal advantage after 74 minutes when Alex Satariano raced into the area, but Akpan denied the Malta international.

With Mosta still searching for an equaliser, the Wanderers finally made the result safe in stoppage time.

Anthony Limbombe advanced into the area and saw his cross-shot parried by Akpan, but Gambarte was on hand to stab home the rebound and complete Sliema’s 3-1 victory.

Mosta 1
Goncalves 60

Sliema Wanderers 3
Alcino 6, Karelis 16, Gambarte 90+