BOV Premier League | Valletta 3 – Pieta` Hotspurs 0

Valletta came into this match looking to secure a win at all costs in order to climb at the top of the table together with Hibernians.

On the other hand, Pieta` who are currently bottom of the table needed to take something from the match if they are to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.

The Citizens made their intentions clear from the start and went close after 6 minutes. Jean Borg’s volley from inside the penalty area sailed slightly wide.

Pieta` replied on the 11th minute. From a free-kick, Neil Pace Cocks fired a shot from a free-kick that was neutralised by Henry Bonello.

However, Valletta took control of the match and broke the deadlock on the 29th minute. Bojan Kaljevic delivered a cross from the right that was met by Mario Fontanella who headed the ball past Nicholas George Vella.

Valletta increased their advantage on the 36th minute. Bogdan Gavrila’s delivery from a free-kick went into the direction of Santiago Malano and the latter headed the ball home.

Gavrila scored Valletta’s third goal on the 43rd minute. Following a long ball forward by Miguel Angel Alba, the Romanian found himself face to face with Vella and slotted the ball behind him.

The scenario of the match remained the same during the second half. Valletta dominated, whilePieta` rarely threatened.

Valletta were unlucky not to score again on the 53rd minute. Gavrila played Kaljevic through on goal. The Montenegrin striker ran forward before drilling a low shot that stamped off the post.

On the 65th minute, Alba of Valletta went inside the penalty area, but his shot from a tight angle hit the side netting.

Alba threatened Pieta` again moments later. The Argentine hit a low shot from inside the penalty area that sailed off target.

The post denied Valletta again on the 81st minute. Substitute Nicholas Pulis sent a low shot from the right that hit the post. The ball fell for Kaljevic who finished incredibly wide from close range.

Vella was on the alert during the additional time given by the referee. Antonio Monticelli fired a powerful drive from distance that forced a good save from Pieta`s custodian.

Following this result, Valletta are now at the top of the table together with Hibernians, while Pieta` remain at the bottom of the table.

Valletta starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caruana, Ryan Camilleri, Santiago Malano, Jean Borg, Ibrahim Raed Saleh, Rowen Muscat, Miguel Angel Alba, Bogdan Gavrila, Bojan Kaljevic, Mario Fontanella

Pieta` Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas George Vella, Travis Bartolo, Neil Pace Cocks, Dylan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Hary Singh, Juan Manuel Artiaga, Stefan Radovanovic, Gegi Kekua, Ishaya Irmiya Jalo

Referee: Ishmael Barbara

Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Darko Stankovic

Fourth Official: Alex Johnson

BOV Player of the Match: Mario Fontanella (Valletta)