Narrow win puts Valletta back on track

Valletta returned to winning ways as they defeated Sliema Wanderers 1-0 at the National Stadium on Sunday.

This was the third 1-0 win for the Citizens who now lie in second place, two points behind leaders Gzira and two ahead of rivals Floriana. For the Blues, on the other hand, this was the first defeat after two draws and a win. They share the seventh place with Balzan on five points.

Valletta scored the all-important goal on the 14th minute when off a cross by Michael Mifsud from the right, Nikola Asceric hit home from close range.

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SLIEMA Glenn Zammit, Stefano Bianciardi, Matias Muchardi (67′ Edmond Agius), Frank Temile, Peter Xuereb, Jefferson de Assis, Ricardo Calisto Correa Duarte, Mark Scerri, Leandro Wallace Motta (80′ Ryan Spiteri), Alex Muscat (41′ John Mintoff), Nikola Gavric.
Subs not used: Miguel Bonnici, Gabriel Aquilina, Michele Sansone, Jonathan Pearson.
Coach: John Buttigieg

VALLETTA Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Juan Cruz Gill, Santiago Malano, Michael Mifsud (90′ Kyrian Nwoko), Uchenna Calistus Umeh, Joseph Zerafa, Raed Ibrahim Saleh, Claudio Pani (77′ Jean Borg), Nicolas Asceric (84′ Matteo Piciollo).
Subs not used: Nicky Vella, Shawn Dimech, , Russell Fenech, Maverick Buhagiar.
Coach: Zoran Popovic

Referee: Fyodor Zammit
Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Alan Camilleri
Fourth Official: Matthew De Gabriele
Yellow Cards: Pani, Temile, Bianciardi, Bonello, Scerri