Valletta’s desperate struggle against a historic relegation continued yesterday as the Citizens squeezed past Balzan in a drab affair to gain three valu‐ able points.

With Mosta beating Hibernians in the previous match at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, a draw or defeat for Valletta against Balzan would have meant an almost certain drop to Challenge League football.

Valletta’s only aim was a victory, and they managed to obtain it after absorbing constant pressure from Balzan in the second half.

The defeat leaves Balzan in troubled waters as the relegation issue is now rather complicated with Naxxar, Gzira, Balzan, Mosta, Santa Lucia and Valletta still in danger.

The spectacle offered by both sides left much to be desired, but at this stage, the result is what really matters and Valletta somehow managed to get the lifeline they needed even if they still face an uphill struggle to avoid the drop.

Goal‐scoring chances were few, very few. On seven minutes a Caruana freekick slightly missed the Valletta posts and Valletta’s first scoring opportu‐ nity came on the half hour with Ewurun shooting over the bar.

On 41 minutes Valletta scored what proved to be the winner and maybe one of Valletta’s most important goals in history. A long ball from defence was headed by Falcone towards Vic‐ tor Filho whose header went over Briffa and in the back of the net.

Balzan sieged the Valletta fort in the second half with the Citizens’ desperate defensive ef‐ forts finally rewarded.

Balzan had no clear cut chances to level matters and only went close with efforts from Jan Busuttil and Awosanya.