Mario Fontanella notched a hat-trick as Valletta returned to winning ways, defeating Sirens 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
The Citizens took the lead after just two minutes when off an assist by Kevin Tulimieri from the right, Mario Fontanella slotted past goalkeeper Sean Mintoff.
On the 68th minute, Sirens missed a golden opportunity to level matters when they were awarded a penalty after Fernando Brandan was brought down inside the area by goalkeeper Alessandro Guarnone but Kemar Reid’s effort was neutralised by the Valletta custodian.
Valletta doubled the score on 82 minutes when Lucas Campos entered the area from the left and served Dilaver; the latter’s shot was blocked and Mario Fontanella hit home off the rebound.
Sirens pulled one back five minutes later courtesy of substitute Francis William Avoce who headed the ball home following a long-distance freekick by Adrian Borg and an assist by Riascos.
However two minutes in added time, Valletta made it 3-1 thanks to Mario Fontanella who hit low past Mintoff when served by Dilaver.
VALLETTA Alessandro Guarnone, Triston Caruana, James Arthur, Haris Dilaver, Shaun Dimech (Jeremy Micallef 60’), Christian Gauci (Jean Borg 69’), Rowen Muscat, Eslit Sala, Caio Prado (Lucas Campos 15’), Mario Fontanella, Kevin Tulimieri (Ivan Curjuric 60’).
Coach: Antonio Jose Cardoso MendesSIRENS Sean Mintoff, Kemar Reid (Francis William Avoce 86’), Fernando Brandan (Bogdan Gavrila 76’), Diego Albanese, Adrian Borg, Jacob Walker, Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Conor Borg 69’), Alexander Cini (1Alfred Effiong 86’), Carlos Riascos, Kemmu Degran Jackson, Vitor Vieira.
Coach: Winston MuscatReferee: Philip Farrugia
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Shaun Calleja
Fourth Official: Stefan Pace
Yellow Cards: A. Borg, D. Albanese
BOV Player of the Match: Mario Fontanella