Valletta down Qormi with ten men

After a rather negative spell for the Champions in which they managed just one point from a possible nine, Valletta returned to winning ways against relegation threated Qormi despite being reduced to ten men.

It was a very much need victory for the declining Champions in their pursuit for second place and now find themselves eleven points behind leaders Hibernians and three behind Birkirkara.  On the other hand, for Qormi, this was their ninth defeat in ten.

Valletta went in front after nine minutes when Roderick Briffa received a through pass, advanced into the area and beat Matthew Farrugia with a diagonal shot.

On the 24th minute, the Citizens scored their second when off a Shaun Bajada corner, Steve Borg headed the ball home past the Qormi goalkeeper.

Seven minutes from the end of the first half, Qormi were awarded a penalty after Alfred Effiong was brought down inside the area by Steve Borg. The Valletta defender was red-carded and from the penalty spot, Marcelinho’s effort was neutralised by Marino.

Just before half-time, Roderick Briffa all but sealed the win for his team as he beat Farrugia off a cross by Ryan Fenech to make it 3-0.

Valletta conceded the initiative to Qormi who enjoyed long spells of possession but found it difficult to break down the solid City defence

Qormi reduced the gap on 66 minutes when Roderick Briffa brought Alfred Effiond down inside the area and the Nigerian striker converted from the penalty spot.

Referee: Clayton Pisani

BOV Man of the Match: Roderick Briffa