After earning three points on Friday after their protest against the result of the match against Sliema was upheld, Valletta claimed another three points on Saturday as they defeated Mosta 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium to move to just two points behind leaders Hibernians, who however have a game in hand.
The Citizens are now alone in second place, one point ahead of Birkirkara and three ahead of Floriana.
Mosta, on the other hand, continue to share the eighth place with Gzira on ten points as they suffered the first defeat after five positive results.
Valletta took the lead on the 18th minute when off a cross from the right by Mario Fontanella, Kevin Tulimieri’s acrobatic shot gave goalkeeper Marko Jovicic no chance.
Two minutes in added time, Haris Dilaver, served by Ivan Curjuric, was unlucky to hit the upright with a shot from inside the area but off the rebound, James Arthur’s powerful drive from outside the area beat the Mosta goalkeeper.
Eight minutes in the second half, Valletta increased the lead when Ivan Curjuric’s effort from outside the area was partially saved by Jovicic and off the rebound, Kevin Tulimieri hit the crossbar from close range but Italian forward still managed to place the ball at the back of the net in style.
Mosta reduced the gap six minutes from time when off an assist by substitute David Johnson Nsumoh from the right, Sunday Akinbule hit home past Alessandro Guarnone.