Henry Bonello the hero as Sliema hold Valletta

Rivals, Floriana gained ground on Valletta with their 1-0 victory over Birkirkara in the first match of the day.

This result leaves Valletta with 45 points followed by Floriana on 39 and Hibernians with 38. Hibernians can edge closer to Valletta if they defeat Hamrun Spartans in today's match.

Meanwhile, Sliema join Balzan Youths in fourth place with 27 points.

Valletta had the first attempt on goal on the 4^th minute. Off a cross from Roderick Briffa, Michael Mifsud's attempt went over the bar.

Mifsud had another attempt on goal on the 12^th minute, but it went wide.

With both teams being cautious and having few attempt on goal, the first half ended goalless.

In the second half, Valletta were rewarded a penalty when William Barbosa was blocked inside the area by Rumen Galabov. Goalkeeper Henry Bonello saved Michael Mifsud's attempt from the penalty spot.

Henry Bonello was voted BOV Player of the Match.

SLIEMA WANDERERS Henry Bonello, Alex Muscat, Josef Mifsud, Ryan Grech (90 2′ Dejan Vukovic), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Rumen Galabov, Jeremiah Ani (81′ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Roderick Bajada, Emiliano Lattes, Cleavon Frendo, Beppe Muscat.
Subs not used: Anthony Curmi, Ryan Fenech, Ryan Dalli, Ian Scerri, Keane Cutajar.
Coach: Danilo Doncic
Asst. Coach: Saviour Debono Grech

VALLETTA FC Andrew Hogg, Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg, Ian Azzopardi, Roderick Briffa, Edmond Agius, Ousseni Zongo, Nahuel Pulitano Jimenez (66′ Gilbert Agius), Denni Rocha dos Santos (81′ Miha Robic), Alfred Effiong (64′ William Barbosa), Michael Mifsud.
Subs not used: Matthew Towns, Samir Arab, Isaac Zammit, Siraj Arab.
Coach: Leonard Farrugia
Asst. Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

Referee: Clayton Pisani
Assistant Referees: William Debattista, Mitchell Scerri
Fourth Official: Mario Apap
Yellow Cards: Frendo, Gatt Baldacchino