Valletta brought to an end Birkirkara’s fine run of ten matches without defeat as they managed to beat them 4-0 to make sure of staying at the top of the BOV Premier League table for another week.

The Citizens were clearly a better side, taking a two-goal lead by the end of the first half and adding two after the break.

With Ian Azzopardi ruled out through suspension and Jhonnattann still recovering from an injury, Valletta coach Paul Zammit included Uchenna Umeh. On the other hand, for Birkirkara, Rowen Muscat was back in the starting line-up as he replaced Marcelina Emerson.

Valletta took the lead on the 22nd minute when off a cross by Uchenna Calistus Umeh, Federico Falcone hit the ball past Justin Haber from a close angle.

The Citizens doubled the score thanks to a great shot by Roderick Briffa, when served by Romeu Romao from the right.

Thirteen minutes in the second half, Valletta were awarded a penalty after Njongo Priso was brought down inside the area and from the penalty spot, the Cameroonian striker converted to put Valletta 3-0 ahead.

Two minutes in added time, Valletta sealed the issue with a fourth goal as substitute Jean Borg slotted the ball past Haber with a low shot from the edge of the area.

VALLETTA Nicky Vella, Jonathan Caruana, Ryan Camilleri, Juan Cruz Gill, Roderick Briffa (73′ Llywelyn Cremona), Njongo Priso (77′ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Federico Falcone (85′ Jean Borg), Claudio Pani, Uchenna Calistus Umeh, Abdelkarim Nafti, Romeu Pericles Romao.
Subs not used: Henry Bonello, Daniel Camilleri, Jurgen Suda, Nicholas Pulis.
Coach: Paul Zammit

B’KARA Justin Haber, Zach Muscat, Nikola Vukanac, Mauricio Mazzetti, Joseph Zerafa, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat, Ryan Scicluna (79′ Frank Temile), Ryan Camenzuli (39′ Juan Quero Barraso), Ellinton Antonio Costa Morais, Vito Plut.
Subs not used: Ini Etim Akpan, Cain Attard, Edward Herrera, Edmond Agius, Marcelina Emerson.
Coach: Giovanni Tedesco

Referee: Esther Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Chris Francalanza
Additional Assistant Referees: Trustin Farrugia Cann, Philip Farrugia
Fourth Official: Peter Abela
Scorers: 22′ Federico Falcone, 34′ Roderick Briffa, 59′ Njongo Priso, 90+2′ Jean Borg
BOV Player of the Match: Roderick Briffa
Attendance: 2,031