After beating Zejtun Corinthians last week, Valletta earned another three points thanks to a 2-1 win over Lija Athletic at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.

The Citizens’ performance was far from impressive but these three points enabled them to join Gudja United in fifth place on the 20-point mark.

Lija, on the other hand, were definitely disappointed to leave Ta’ Qali empty-handed following a good display.

Lija had a perfect start, taking the lead on the 6th minute when off a cross by Nicholas Mclaren from the right, Erjon Beu slotted the ball past goalkeeper Yenz Cini.

Valletta, however, equalised on the 13th minute thanks to Miguel Angel Alba who received a long through pass by Yenz Cini and with an angled shot from the right beat goalkeeper Luke Bonnici.

On the 34th minute, Bonnici turned an Alba freekick in style into a corner and on the hour, Fernando Brandan could have restored the lead for Lija with a powerful shot which was neutralised by Cini.

Valletta forged ahead on the 63rd minute when Shaun Dimech served Miguel Angel Alba on the right and the latter rounded a defender before hitting low past Bonnici.

LIJA Luke Bonnici, Leon Muscat, Ismael Borg, Daniel Scerri (69′ Valdo Goncalves Alhinho), Erjon Beu, Fernando Javier Brandan, Harry Wood (78′ Neil Micallef), Miguel Perez Jimenez, Juan Cruz Gill, Clayton Giordimaina, Nicholas Mclaren (73′ Ryan Darmanin).
Subs not used: Dylan Galea, McAllister Clinch, Ryan Dalli, Beppe Antignolo.
Coach: Joseph Galea
Assistant Coach: Matthew Genuis

VALLETTA Yenz Cini, Triston Caruana, Santiago Malano, Matteo Piciollo (59′ Ryan Fenech), Shaun Dimech (81′ Kyrian Nwoko), Joseph Zerafa, Eslit Sala, Rowen Muscat, Leandro Aguirre, Miguel Angel Alba, Mario Fontanella (27′ Ryan Tonna).
Subs not used: Anson Saliba, Sheldon Mackay, Isaiah Micallef, Deacon Abela.
Assistant Coach: Gilbert Agius

Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
Assistant Referees: Alan Camileri, Christopher Francalanza
Fourth Official: Darryl Agius
Yellow Cards: D. Scerri, L. Bonnici, N. Micallef, L. Muscat, J. Zerafa
BOV Player of the Match: Miguel Angel Alba