U17 SECTION A: PIETÀ HELD AS MOSTA CLOSE GAP, FGURA CLAIM CRUCIAL PLAY-OUT WIN

In the first matchday following the league split into the Top Six and Play-Out groups, leaders of the u17 Section A, Pietà Hotspurs FC dropped valuable points after being held to a 1–1 draw by Floriana FC at the Charles Abela Stadium.

Pietà entered the clash as clear favourites after an impressive first phase, while Floriana had only just secured a place in the Top Six. Despite this, the Greens showed resilience and determination, frustrating Pietà in a largely uneventful first half that ended goalless.

The match sprang into life after the break, with Floriana taking a surprise lead in the 55th minute through Andreas Grixti, who beat the otherwise reliable Liam Ellul Hawes. Pietà responded almost immediately, as Kuylon Aquilina struck seconds after the restart to restore parity. Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but the contest ended level.

The result opened the door for Mosta FC, who capitalised with a crucial 1–0 win over Hamrun Spartans FC. After a tightly contested affair, substitute Kelden Pace netted a late winner to move Mosta within two points of Pietà.

In the Play-Out group, Fgura United secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Melita FC. Goals from Dale Pulis Bonello, Alexander Grima and late substitute Denzil Micallef proved decisive in a key relegation battle.

Photos: Timmy Cutugno

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