Valletta scored twice in the first half to secure a 2-0 victory over Birkirkara, condemning the Stripes to a fifth consecutive defeat in the YoHealth Malta Premier League Opening Round.
With the final matchday scheduled for this weekend, the Citizens remain firmly in the hunt for a top-two finish as they sit three points behind ฤฆamrun Spartans and four adrift of leaders Floriana. For Birkirkara, the defeat further underlined a difficult spell, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the Top Six.
Valletta coach Thane Micallef made two changes from the side that defeated Marsaxlokk in their previous league outing, with Neil Micallef stepping in for the suspended Sava Radic and Thaylor Aldama preferred to Evandro Gomes.
Birkirkara also reshuffled their line-up following a heavy defeat to ฤฆamrun Spartans, as Jan Busuttil and Kemar Reid replaced Kaiden Fenech and Neil Micallef. The Stripesโ problems were compounded midway through the first half when goalkeeper Miguel Angel Martinez was forced off through injury and replaced by Matthew Grech.
First half goals seal the win
Valletta broke the deadlock on 14 minutes after Yuri Messias was brought down inside the area. Although the referee initially waved play on, a review by Football Video Support prompted Philip Farrugia to award a penalty. Messiasโ first spot-kick was partially saved by Martinez, with Andrea Zammit turning in the rebound, but following another FVS review the referee ordered a retake. This time, Messias made no mistake from the spot.
Birkirkara responded on 31 minutes with a Shaun Dimech free-kick from the left that was partially saved by Adilson Maringa. The ball fell to Macula, but a Valletta defender reacted quickly to clear the danger.
Valletta came close to doubling their lead three minutes later when a swift counter-attack saw Manuel Morello surge forward on the right, only to slip at the crucial moment as he prepared to finish from close range.
The Citizens eventually doubled their advantage three minutes before the interval. Yuri Messias, supplied by Shaft Brewer down the left, skipped past a defender before seeing his effort deflected behind for a corner. Brandon Paiber delivered from the left and Yannick Yankam was on hand to slot past Matthew Grech.
In first-half added time, Birkirkara nearly pulled one back when Donovan Makomaโs effort from a Geoffrey Acheampong free-kick flashed just wide, but Valletta held firm to seal a convincing win and keep their hopes alive ahead of the decisive final round.
Valletta defend lead to see out the match
Two minutes in the second half, Morello managed to venture into the area, testing Adilson Maringa with a shot which was partially saved with the ball being cleared into safety by a defender.
However, on 65 minutes, Birkirkara ended in ten men as Morello was sent off for a rough tackle on Steve Borg โ a decision taken after FVS review as the referee had initially just cautioned the Birkirkara defender.
Ten minutes later, Acheampong tried his luck with a cross shot from the left but the Valletta goalkeeper saved without particular difficulty.
But on 79 minutes, Matthew Grech saved in two attempts a close-range effort by Yankam.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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