Valletta scored twice in the first half to beat Birkirkara 2-0 in a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round Top 6 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Wednesday.
A win which leaves the Citizens three points behind Hamrun Spartans and four behind Floriana. Therefore for them to make it to the top two places, they could only force a decider in case Hamrun lose to Sliema Wanderers and they beat Floriana.
Valletta managed to take the lead on 14 minutes when they were awarded a penalty following FVS review. Yuri’s penalty was partially saved by goalkeeper Miguel Angel Martinez with Andrea Zammit placing the ball at the back of the net. However, following FVS review, the referee ordered a re-take and this time, Yuri Messias made no mistake.
Two minutes from the end of the first half, the Citizens scored the second goal when Brandon Paiber delivered a corner from the left and Yannick Yankam slotted the ball past goalkeeper Matthew Grech.
Birkirkara ended in ten men on 65 minutes as Manuel Morello was sent off for a rough tackle on Steve Borg – a decision taken after FVS review as the referee had initially just cautioned the Birkirkara defender.