Valletta moved third in the BOV Premier League table, one point behind Hibernians and five behind leaders Floriana as they defeated Sliema Wanderers 2-1 at the National Stadium on Monday.
The Citizens therefore returned to winning ways folllowing the draw with Santa Lucia while extending their positive run to nine matches. On the other hand, for the Blues, this was the third successive defeat which leaves them joint-second from bottom on 14 points.
Following a goalless first half, Valletta managed to take the lead on the 62nd minute thanks to Rowen Muscat whose low shot from outside the area, following an assist by Miguel Angel Alba from the right, beat goalkeeper Entonjo Elezaj.
Five minutes from time, the Citizens doubled the score through Mario Fontanella whose cute lob beat the Sliema goalkeeper.
One minute from time, Sliema reduced the gap thanks to a Federico Vasilchik penalty after Jean Borg floored Juri Cisotti inside the area.
VALLETTA Yenz Cini, Jonathan Caruana (63′ Nicholas Pulis), Ryan Camilleri, Matteo Piciollo (88′ Santiago Malano), Shaun Dimech, Jean Borg, Enmy Pena Beltre, Rowen Muscat, Miguel Angel Alba (63′ Bojan Kaljevic), Triston Caruana, Mario Fontanella.
Subs not used: Reeves Cini, Kyrian Nwoko, Jhony Moises Cano Barrios, Samuel Vella.
Coach: Darren Abdilla
Asst. Coach: Gilbert AgiusSLIEMA Entonjo Elezaj, Antonio Stelitano, Kurt Shaw, Jonathan Pearson (82′ Peter Xuereb), Mark Scerri, Federico Vasilchik, Claudio Zappa (55′ Alex Satariano), Juri Cisotti, Edmond Agius, Arthur Henrique Oyama, Goran Adamovic.
Subs not used: Jake Galea, Michele Sansone, Gareth Barone, Alexander Spiteri, Luke Zammit.
Coach: Alfonso Greco
Asst. Coach: Ivan WoodsReferee: Glen Tonna
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Mark Ciantar
Fourth Official: Etienne Mangion
Yellow Cards: Agius, Borg
BOV Player of the Match: Enmy Pena Beltre
Attendance: 642