BOV Premier League | Valletta 3 – St Andrews 0

Valletta made a strong start to the match and went ahead after six minutes. Matteo Piciollo delivered the ball towards Denni Rocha Dos Santos who went round Matthew Calleja Cremona and placed the ball inside the bottom corner.

St Andrews replied on the 11th minute. Kyle Butler attempted a shot from distance that ended up wide.

A mistake at the heart of defence nearly costed St Andrews another goal on the 16th minute. Triston Grant lost possession to Kyrian Nwoko deep inside their half. The twenty year old tried to make the most of the chance and went through on goal, but found Calleja Cremona in his way.

Calleja Cremona had to be on the alert once more a minute later. Following a free-kick, Denni served Santiago Malano and the latter saw his shot being saved by the St Andrews goalkeeper.

Valletta’s dominance continued and they managed to double their advantage on the 21st minute. Umeh Uchenna Calistus sent an excellent ball towards the unmarked Jean Borg who anticipated Calleja Cremona and headed the ball inside the net.

Zoran Papovic’s side increased the margin of the score on the 34th minute. Nwoko sent a brilliant ball towards Matteo Piciollo that rolled past Calleja Cremona. In front of an open goal, the Italian player made no mistake and slotted the ball inside the net.

On the 40th minute, Piciollo sent Nwoko through and the Valletta forward hit a powerful shot which forced another good save from Calleja Cremona.

A minute later, Denni hit a powerful drive from outside the penalty area that sailed slightly wide.

Valletta kept on dictating the play inside the second half, but failed to keep up the tempo with neither teams threatening much.

On the 46th minute, Piciollo sent a shot from distance that was neutralised by Calleja Cremona.

St Andrews had a rare chance on the 57th minute. Aidan Friggieri hit a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was easily saved by Henry Bonello.

Friggieri went close again on the 80th minute. The nineteen year old fired a low shot that failed to hit the target.

In the additional time given by the referee, Piciollo fired a shot that went over.

Valletta starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Juan Gill Cruz, Santiago Malano (Michael Mifsud – 68), Matteo Piciollo, Kyrian Nwoko, Jean Borg, Umeh Uchenna Calistus, Ibrahin Raed Saleh (Rowen Muscat – 84), Denni Rocha Dos Santos (Claudio Pani – 57)

St Andrews starting line-up: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre, Adrian Borg, Aidan Friggieri, Joseph Farrugia, Kavaughn Atkinson, Matthew Gauci, Martin Davis, Tristan Grant (Liam Grech – 45), Ricardo Martin (Jacob Walker – 55), Kyle Butler (Marcus Grima – 75)

Referee: Philip Farrugia

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Dusan Petrovic

Fourth Official: Jude Admin Utulu

Yellow Cards: Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre (St Andrews), Kyle Butler (St Andrews), Jean Borg (Valletta), Adrian Borg (St Andrews), Joseph Farrugia (St Andrews), Matthew Gauci (St Andrews)

BOV Player of the Match: Matteo Piciollo (Valletta)