After claiming just five points from the last six matches thanks to five draws, Valletta returned to winning ways as they defeated Gzira United 2-1 at the National Stadium on Sunday.
A win which enabled the Citizens to leapfrog Floriana and Gudja United and now lie in seventh place.
Gzira United, on the other hand, fail to keep the pace with the leaders, failing to widen the gap with third-placed Birkirkara. The Maroons now lie just two points ahead of the Stripes.
Valletta took the lead on the 14th minute when off a perfect assist by Shaun Dimech, Kilian Bevis hit low past goalkeeper Darijan Radelic Zarkov.
Gzira could have equalised early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Ulrich N’Nomo pushed Jackson Mendoza inside the area but Maxuell Maia’s effort was neutralised by goalkeeper Cain Formosa.
On the 78th minute, it was Valletta’s turn to be awarded a penalty when Luke Tabone brought Andrea Zammit down inside the area and Brandon Paiber converted to double the score.
One minute from time, Gzira scored a consolation goal thanks to a Lucas Ribeiro header off a Jefferson cross from the left.
