A hat trick by Bruno Gomes enabled Valletta to move on top the VBET Malta Premier table as they defeated Birzebbuga St. Peterβs 3-0 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday.
The Citizens were eager to return to winning ways after behind held in a draw by Balzan and thanks to this win, they move two points ahead of Marsaxlokk and three ahead of Floriana, Birkirkara, Hamrun and Mosta but Floriana and Mosta have a game in hand.
For Borzebbuga, on the other hand, this was the sixth defeat in as many matches to remain anchored at the bottom of the table.
The Saints had four changes in their line-up as Julian Azzopardi deputised for Mattia Chiesa in goal while Sam Azimzadeh Tabrizi, Juan Bolanos and Shaun Dimech replaced Miguel Azzopardi, Zachary Cassar and Kurt Bondin. Valletta, also had four changes with Ermin Bicakcic, Brandon Paiber, Thaylor Aldama and Bruno Gomes being preferred to Neil Anthony Micallef, Petar Sekulovic, Andrea Zammit and Alex Tanque.
Valletta managed to take the lead on 4 minutes when off a cross by Brandon Paiber from the right, Roko Prsa served Bruno Gomes who hit low past goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi.
The Citizens doubled the score on 63 minutes. Bruno Gomes received a cross on the right and goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi rushed out of the area in an attempt to anticipate him but slipped with the Brazilian having the easiest of jobs in placing the ball at the back of the empty net.
Two minutes later, the Citizens scored the third goal. Thaylor advanced on the right before serving Jake Azzopardi whose low shot was partially saved by Azzopardi with Bruno Gomes taking the rebound and hitting home from close range.
