Valletta registered a most comfortable 4-0 win over Mosta to move second, on level points with Sirens, four behind leaders Floriana.
This was the fourth win in five matches for Darren Abdilla’s side and the third consecutive defeat for the team led by Mark Miller.
Valletta took the lead on the 24th minute when Irakli Dzaria, served by Kyrian Nwoko from the left, slotted the ball past goalkeeper Andreas Vella.
Eleven minutes later, the Citizens doubled the score when off a cross by Kryian Nwoko from the left, Mario Fontanella’s diving header beat the Mosta custodian who could only deflect the ball slightly.
Valletta scored the third goal eight minutes in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Matteo Piciollo was fouled inside the area and from the penalty spot, Mario Fontanella made no mistake.
Five minutes from time, substitute Kevin Tulimieri made it 4-0 with a fine header following a cross by another substitute, Nicholas Pulis, from the right.
In added time, Jean Barthelemy Diouf could have scored a consolation goal for Valletta but his direct freekick hit the upright.
MOSTA Andreas Vella, Edin Murga (72′ Zachary Brincat), Akeem Garnet Roach (83′ Liam Portelli), Weverton Gomes, Duane Bonnici (62′ Kyle Gatt), Nikita Kotlov, Dexter Xuereb, Jean Barthelemy Diouf, Tyrone Farrugia, David James Brown, Matias Muchardi.
Subs not used: Andre Spiteri, Gabriel Sant, Matthias Ablett, Christian Grech.
Coach: Mark Miller
Asst. Coach: Joseph Grech
VALLETTA Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caruana (79′ Kevin Tulimieri), Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Matteo Piciollo, Kyrian Nwoko, Jean Borg, Enmy Pena Beltre (19′ Douglas Packer), Rowen Muscat, Irakli Dzaria (72′ Nicholas Pulis), Mario Fontanella.
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Bojan Kaljevic, Shaun Dimech, Ryan Tonna.
Coach: Darren Abdilla
Asst. Coach: Gilbert AgiusReferee: Alan Mario Sant
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Roberto Vella
Fourth Official: Alex Johnson
Yellow Cards: Camilleri, Kotlov, Pulis
BOV Player of the Match: Mario Fontanella