Champions Birkirkara and Valletta share the spoils

Valletta remain with a one-point lead in the standings over Birkirkara with this result.

Valletta started the first half much more convincing than rivals Birkirkara. Valletta had numerous chances on goal and kept pressing but it was Birkirkara that took the shock lead on the 24^th minute when Michael Galea passed to Trevor Cilia who beat the Valletta goalkeeper to put Birkirkara in front.

Birkirkara’s advantage did not last long when three minutes later on the 27^th minute, Kevin Sammut had his powerful shot beat Birkirkara goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo.

The citizens kept pressing. On the 31^st minute Manuel Bartolo made a great save and kept Denni Rocha Dos Santos powerful shot at bay.

Valletta managed to take the lead on the 39^th minute when from a freekick by Kevin Sammut, Jamie Pace received the ball and made no mistake by shooting it past the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

The first half of the match ended 2-1, in favour of Valletta.

The second half started with Birkirkara trying to get back into the match. On the 63^rd minute, Birkirkara’s Trevor Cilia had a chance on goal, but Andrew Hogg kept Valletta’s lead safe.

On the 66^thminute Valletta had the chance to close down the match when Paul Fenech brought down Denni in the area. Denni’s effort was fruitless as the penalty shot was saved by Bartolo.

Birkirkara still had a chance to save the match and on the 80^thminute Trevor Cilia got the equaliser. Michael Galea again served the ball to Cilia who had no problem putting the ball past Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

BOV player of the Match: Trevor Cilia

Scorers:

Birkirkara: Trevor Cilia 24’, 80’

Valletta: Kevin Sammut 27’, Jamie Pace 39’