Valletta beat Stripes to set up clash with Sliema on Friday

Valletta FC 3 Birkirkara FC 0

Goals: Ottoni 26', Zammit (pen) 34, Falzon 81'

Both sides fielded a number of new players although Valletta appeared rather perkier than their opponents who seemed to be in rather relaxed mode perhaps due to the fact that the season was still only a few weeks away from its conclusion.

The first scoring opportunity arrived after three minutes when Trevor Cilia's deflected shot forced a smart save from Andrew Hogg. Two minutes later, the Valletta goalkeeper was again alert to keep out the busy Birkirkara midfielder's point-blank shot.

However, Valletta's passing was more inventive and they began creating chances on a regular basis. New recruit Hercules Ottoni gave the Lilywhites faithful a sparkling display of his talents.

Several times in the early stages, his power and position led him into great positions - none better than on 23 minutes. Ian Zammit's long-range shot shaved the foot of the post but Dyson Falzon gathered the rebound and crossed for Ottoni to glance a header beyond the near post to put Valletta 1-0 up.

On several occasions there was a distinct lack of communication between Birkirkara goalkeeper Ezequiel Lovizon and his back line - a two-goal deficit only being prevented by the quick feet of Patrick Borg. In the 27th minute, substitute Justin Grioli saw his well-struck shot beat Lovizon but luckily for the goalkeeper the post did his work for him.

On his part, Jesmond Zerafa fielded the eagerly-awaited central defence with former Qormi defender Ramon Dos Santos lined up alongside Steve Borg.

Borg tracked every run Zammit made but on the half hour mark, the striker escaped the attentions of the Birkirkara defender but an ill-timed challenge from Borg sent Zammit tumbling into the box, who picked himself up to drill home the penalty.

Valletta continued to look the more likely to score after the interval. In fact, Ottoni looked odds-on to score few minutes after the break when Zammit sent him clear, but the Brazilian shot high and wide from the edge of the area. After 70 minutes, Valletta hit the woodwork again when Zammit raced on to Roderick Briffa's pass and lofted the ball over Lovizon and against the top of the bar.

Ten minutes from time, the outstanding Falzon put Valletta in the clear when he followed Briffa's through ball to run clear and beat Lovizon in composed fashion.

Valletta: A. Hogg, R. Briffa, S. Borg, S. Bezzina, R. Dos Santos, E. Agius, G. Agius ('24 J. Grioli), D. Falzon, K. Sammut ('80 K. Magro), I. Zammit ('84 D Grima), H. Ottoni.

Birkirkara: E. Lovizon, T. Cilia, A. Decesare ('70 R Scicluna), N. Vukanac, P. Fenech, T. Paris, J. Zerafa, P. Borg, A. Tabone, I. Camilli ('60 S. Comvalius), K. Pulo ('60 M Galea).

Referee: Chris Lautier.

Yellow cards: Fenech, Agius, Tabone, Decesare.