After dropping seven points in a defeat to Gzira and draws with Hibernians and Santa Lucia, Valletta returned to winning ways as they defeated Senglea Athletic 2-1 at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.

A win which puts Jesmond Zerafa’s side on the 11-point mark, five behind joint-leaders Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers.

Senglea, on the other hand, who had new coach Clive Mizzi making his debut, remain anchored at the bottom of the table with one point from seven matches as they suffered the fifth consecutive defeat.

The Citizens took the lead on the 10th minute thanks to Matteo Piciollo who scored with a first-time effort after receiving a cross from the right.

Senglea equalised on the 37th minute when Firas Aboulezz sent Kevaughn Atkinson through on the right and the latter hit low past goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Nine minutes in the second half, Valletta regained the lead when Santiago Malano served Mario Fontanella on the left and the latter rounded a defender before beating goalkeeper Jonathan Martinelli with a diagonal shot.

VALLETTA Henry Bonello, Triston Caruana, Santiago Malano (68′ Shaun Dimech), Taylon Correa Marcolino (69′ Kyrian Nwoko)(89′ Ryan Fenech), Matteo Piciollo, Jean Borg, Enmy Pena Beltre, Joseph Zerafa, Eslit Sala, Rowen Muscat, Mario Fontanella (79′ Leandro Aguirre).
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Jonathan Caruana, Ryan Camilleri.
Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

SENGLEA Jonathan Martinelli, Zachary Cassar, Alan Abela, Firas Aboulezz (53′ David Xuereb), Kevaughn Atkinson, Igor Misan, Uros Parezanin, Jan Tanti (73′ Ronny Song), Luis Carlos Riascos, Dejan Kukic, Wilkerson Gomes.
Subs not used: James Pisani, Charlo Buttigieg, Daneel Abela, Luca Brincat, Lee Galea.
Coach: Clive Mizzi

Referee: Emanuel Grech
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Christopher Francalanza
Fourth Official: Daniel Portelli
Yellow Cards: Cassar, Fenech, Riascos.
BOV Player of the Match: Matteo Piciollo