Valletta and Pieta gained a point each in a very low profile match, which only came to life in the second half. The result, a fair one, leaves the two sides hovering in the lower part of the table, and both are potential candidates for a place in the relegation pool.

One must admit that although the game never reached high standards, but at least both teams gave their hearts out to try to obtain the three valuable points at stake.

Valletta had more of the ball, but only hit the post once, against Pieta’s two woodworks in the first half. Every cloud has got asilver lining, and Valletta’s introduction of a group of youngsters, could give the Citizens a brighter future. Players like Bezzina, Barbara and Magro surely made the grade as they gave a very good account of themselves.

Pieta played mainly in defence where David Camenzuli was outstanding.

The Citizens were without Gilbert Agius, Massimo Grima, Ian Zammit, Anatole Debono, and Milen Penchev, and even lost youngster Dylan Zarb during the warm up session. However Rennie Forace was back in their ranks. Steve bezzina was confirmed id defence with Nisevic, Cassar and Pace. In attack Mark Galea was paired by Chris Camilleri.

Dean Gera, Bernard Sciberras and David Camenzuli formed Pieta’s defensive wall, with Martin Deanov their main striker.

The match had a very slow start with Valletta in constant possession of the ball, but it was evident that they lacked the necessary punch up front.

The first so-called attempt at goal was from Rennie Forace whose left foot from outside the area left much to be desired. On 30 minutes in the first real attack, Pieta were unlucky when Decesare put through by Martin Deanov, dribbled past Sullivan but could only hit the post, with the Pieta players claiming that Nisevic handled the ball before it hit the post.

On 40 minutes Pieta again hit the woodwork when from a Ciscaldi freekick from the right, David Camenzuli went high above the rest, but his header only skimmed the crossbar.

No changes were made during the interval. On fifty minutes in their first real danger Valletta were unlucky when following a good run by Bezzina, Mark Galea hit the base of the upright with Hogg completely beaten. Minutes later Sharlon Pace tried a long distance shot that went wide.

Valletta were now more direct in their approach, and Andrew Hogg made the best save of the match blocking a close range shot by Bondin.

On 63 minutes it was Sullivan’s turn to effect a great save turning into a corner a dangerous header by Bernard Sciberras. Sullivan was called again, to block a shot on the turn by Decesare.

The Citizens pressed hard in the last part of the match, but Pieta were always menacing in their breaks.

Next matches (at Ta’ Qali)

Today

7.30pm: Birkirkara-Hibernians

Saturday 1 October

3pm: Marsaxlokk-Sliema Wanderers

5pm: Birkirkara-Hamrun Spartans

Sunday 2 October

3pm: Msida St Joseph-Pieta Hotspurs

5pm: Valletta-Hibernians