Birkirkara             0

Valletta                3

Birkirkara: K. Naumovski, D. Chapoval, M. Andelkovic, P. Fenech, K. Zammit (J. Grech 82'), E. Ferreira, M. Mifsud, T. Agius (E. Herrera 85'), M. Franca De Siqueira, U. Calistus, M. Basrak (M. Beerman 72').

Valletta: H. Bonello, S. Borg, R. Camilleri (J. Caruana 89'), S. Malano, M. Picciolo, E. Pena Beltre, J. Zerafa, R. Muscat, A.M. Alba (Gavrila 80'), B. Kaljevic (K. Nwoko 73'), M. Fontanella.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Ass. Referees: Alan Camilleri, Thomas Debono

Fourth official: Matthew Degabriele

Scorers: B. Kaljevic 56', M. Fontanella 82', Gavrila 84',

Yellow cards: M. Basrak, J. Zerafa, M. Mifsud, E. Pena Beltre, U. Calistus,

Player of the match: Bojan Kaljevic (Valletta)

TMI Best Three: 1. M. Picciolo, 2. B. Kaljevic, 3. R. Muscat

Attendance: 2576

The champions are back. After suffering two consecutive defeats in their opening matches, the Citizens opened their account beating rivals Birkirkara with a five star performance especially in the second half.

The first half was rather balanced with Valletta however having the best chances, but in the second half Valletta were a dominant force and after scoring the opener with their new signing Kaljevic, they never looked back and gave a polished display of attacking football.

Valletta showed that they are still main contenders for yet another title, showing all round superiority and fast flowing football. Good news from all departments for coach Danailo Doncic, starting from Bonello's solid display, covered by a defensive setup that never gave away an inch, and is now further enhanced with the return of Jonathan Caruana.

In midfield Rowen Muscat and Malano played an important role, and Kaljevic's inclusion in attack makes increases considerably Valletta's power. Mario Fontanella also finally scored his first goal for the champions in an evening in which everything went smooth for the Citizens.  

For Birkirkara this was the first setback after two opening wins. The Stripes were in the game till suffering the first goal, but then were completely blotted out and never gave the impression they could save the match. Coach Paul Zammit must quickly forget this debacle and look forward for better performances, which the Stripes are surely capable of producing.  

The first attempt of the match came from the champions when Rowen Muscat tested Naumovski from the edge of the area after a good run on the left by Picciolo. The Stripes' reaction was immediate with a Terence Agius deflected shot going slightly over the bar.

The match was cagey with both sides never giving away an inch, but the match was still an interesting affair. On 31 minutes Henry Bonello made a great save off a Paul Fenech shot from a distance.

On 36 minutes Valletta missed a glorious chance when Kaljevic headed towards Fontanella who all alone in front of Naumovski could only shoot straight at the goalkeeper. Two minutes later Naumovski was again outstanding denying Kaljevic who was well served by Malano.

No changes were made after the break and on 55 minutes Valletta broke the deadlock when from an Alba cross from the right, Bojan Kaljevic on the far post headed beautifully home for a well taken goal on his debut with the champions.

Valletta now took the upper hand with the Stripes in apparent difficulty. Picciolo should have done  better on the hour but his shot was easily saved by Naumovski. On 64 minutes Naumovski had to block on Kaljevic who was well served by Rowen Muscat.

On 79mminutes substitute Nwoko tested Naumovski who made a good save to turn to a corner. But the Citizens were now all over the place and on 82 minutes they sealed the issue with a second goal when Fontanella made his way inside the area to beat Naumovski for his first goal with the prestigious white jersey.

It was not over yet as Valletta were hungry for more and substitute Gavrila made it three with a low shot as the Birkirkara defence was now in tatters. There was also space for defender Jonathan Caruana who returned to the team with the captain's armband for the last minutes of the game taking the place of Ryan Camilleri.