A goal by Steve Borg eleven minutes from time handed Valletta the three points as they defeated Gzira United 1-0 at the National Stadium on Friday.
Making his debut for Valletta was new coach Giovanni Tedesco, who joined the club following the dismissal of Darren Abdilla.
This win ensured Valletta continue to share the top spot with eternal rivals Floriana, three points ahead of Sirens and four ahead of Hibernians, who however, have a game in hand. Gzira, on the other hand, fall six points behind the two joint-leaders as they suffer the third defeat in five matches.
Valletta scored the all-important goal eleven minutes from time when off a Triston Caruana corner, Steve Borg beat goalkeeper Justin Haber.
GZIRA Justin Haberm, Fernando Barbosa, Gianmarco Conti, Nikolai Muscat (75′ Andrew Cohen), Zachary Scerri, Rodolfo Soares, Juan Carlos Corbalan, Dexter Xuereb, Amadou Samb (28′ Hamed Kone), Marco Criaco, Martin Davis (84′ Ryan Darmanin).
Subs not used: Anthony Curmi, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Karl Pulo, Romario Camilleri.
Coach: Paul ZammitVALLETTA Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Bojan Kaljevic (81′ David Faupala), Matteo Piciollo, Shaun Dimech (52′ Miguel Angel Alba), Jean Borg, Enmy Pena Beltre, Rowen Muscat (77′ Kevin Tulimieri), Triston Caruana, Mario Fontanella.
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Kyrian Nwoko, Joseph Zerafa, Nicholas Pulis.
Coach: Giovanni Tedesco
Asst. Coach: Gilbert AgiusReferee: Malcolm Spiteri
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Mitchell Scerri
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Yellow Cards: Davis, Piciollo, Barbosa, Tulimieri, Bonello, Scerri
BOV Player of the Match: Matteo PiciolloAttendance: 1,359