Valletta were crowned FXDD First Division champions after finding no difficulty in disposing of tenth placed Msida St. Joseph 9-1. The Citizens’ overall performance makes them deserving champions. Spurred by the hard work of coach Xavier Saliba, Valletta never looked back despite a rather shaky start as they lost five of their first seven games. But at the turn of the year, the Citizens turned the tables and produced a great run of sixteen positive results.

In the last outing of the season, Valletta came up up a tenacious performance to overcome their opponents and gain the points they needed to claim the title. On their part, Msida tried to limit the damage with keeper Keith Cassar Jackson busy throughout the entire match.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg

The Citizens dominated from the very first whistle giving Msida no chance to get close to Gaetano Mallia’s post. When Valletta took the lead in the 3rd minute, the match seemed to be already won and lost as the Msida defenders found it very difficult to absorb their opponents’ constant attacks.

It was no surprise that Valletta eventually took the lead through Dylan Agius and doubled the score thanks to Aaron Agius on the 9th. Three minutes later, it was Renald Formston who made it 3-0. Msida reduced the score before half-time through Chris Cutajar.

Valletta remained dominant in the second half as they scored six more goals to increase the scoreline thanks to Alexander Fenech, Ilija Milivojsa, Sandro Caruana, Aaron Agius, Aaron Camilleri and Paul Zammit.

The final whistle sparkled spontaneous celebrations among the Valletta players and staff who rightly deserved the championship title.

At the end of the match, Mark Borg, who is expected to take over the presidency of the FMA, presented the trophy to Valletta captain Dassier Borg in the presence of an FXDD representative.

Meanwhile Zebbug Rangers ended their commitments after easing past Naxxar Lions 5-2. Zebbug were a superior side in the first half having installed a 2-0 advantage before half-time. In the second half, Naxxar tried to produce a reaction with Zebbug scoring more goals through counter attacks.

In another match, James Borg notched a hat-trick in a 4-3 win for Siggiewi over Mqabba.

FINAL STANDINGS FXDD FIRST DIVISION:
Valletta 55, Zebbug 52, Gzira 50, Qrendi 47, Naxxar 40, Fgura 37, Kalkara 34, Sirens, M’Scala 29, Msida, Siggiewi 25, Mqabba 18, Sta Lucia 11