Michael Mifsud notched a hat-trick as Valletta returned to winning ways, beating Tarxien Rainbows 3-0 to move back four points behind leaders Birkirkara.
The Citizens lacked defenders Steve Borg and Luke Dimech as both were serving a one-match ban. The Rainbows, on the other hand, were in full strength.
Valletta managed to take the lead on the 6th when Kevin Sammut served Michael Mifsud who controlled the ball before hitting low past goalkeeper Anthony Curmi.
Tarxien replied with a good pass by Ryan Grech for Anderson Ribeiro on the left on the 10th and the latter’s diagonal shot ended just wide.
On 15 minutes, Mifsud served Kevin Sammut whose low shot from the right hit the foot of the post. Nine minutes later, Ribeiro released Andrew Decesare on the left but his diagonal shot scraped past the post. Andrew Hogg then managed to turn into a corner a fierce shot by Ryan Grech from the left.
The Citizens doubled the score just before the end of the first half when Michael Mifsud, served by Kevin Sammut from the right, flicked the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Curmi.
Valletta went close once again on the hour with a Kevin Sammut header off a cross by Gilbert Agius.
Michael Mifsud sealed the issue with a third goal ten minutes from time when he received an assist by Njongo Priso on the left and after entering the area, he beat Curmi with an angled shot.
Seven minutes from time, the Rainbows were awarded an indirect freekick inside the area but Denni hit incredibly wide. Two minutes later, in a counter-attack for Valletta, Declan O’Brien tried his luck with a cute lob but the ball ended high.
Michael Mifsud was voted BOV Player of the Match.
VALLETTA Andrew Hogg, Jordi Cruijff, Roderik Briffa, Steve Bezzina, Kenneth Scicluna, Jamie Pace, Gilbert Agius (69’ Edmond Agius), Kevin Sammut (72’ Declan O’Brien), Michael Mifsud, Dyson Falzon, Njongo Priso (81’ Cleavon Frendo).
Subs not used: Nicky Vella, Terence Scerri, Dylan Grima,.
Coach: Ton Caanen
Team Manager: Nicky Saliba
TARXIEN Anthony Curmi, Steve Sadowksi, Manuel Caruana, David Camilleri (58’ Gianluca Calabretta), Everton Antonio Pereira, Anderson Mendes Ribeiro, Andrew Decesare (77’ Kurt Magro), Denni Rocha Dos Santos, Ryan Mintoff, Ryan Grech (57’ Mark Tanti), Justin Grioli.
Subs not used: David Cassar, James Shead, Luke Vella Critien, Lee Galea.
Coach: Noel Coleiro
Asst. Coach: Michael Church
Referee: Esther Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Konrad Borg, Malcolm Mercieca
Fourth Official: Glenn Tonna
Yellow Cards: Denni, J. Pace, A. Decesare, E. Agius
Scorers: 6’ Michael Mifsud, 45’ Michael Mifsud, 80’ Michael Mifsud
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