Two goals scored from identical set pieces and another Woods strike, gave Sliema three precious points against a spirited but unlucky Valletta side. The Citizens dominated the match for long stretches, especially after Stefan Giglio was sent off early in the second half.

But Valletta were denied on three occasions by the woodwork with Akanji beaten. Result apart, Valletta should be more than satisfied with their performance yesterday.

Gilbert Agius was very good behind strikers Camilleri and Ani, with the latter showing great improvement. Keith Fenech, and Ian Zammit on the right flank were effective, with Jonathan Bondin playing his heart out.

Although with a below par performance Sliema obtained a more than flattering result against the Lillywhites. One has to consider however that Sliema played for 40 minutes with a man less, but even in the first half, Valletta did not deserve a two-goal deficit.

The Wanderers had in Doncic, Akanji and above all Joe Brincat as their best players. They had Orosco Anonam on the reserve’s list with Valletta coach Paul Zammit showing confidence in Chris Camilleri and Jerry Ani after their important victory against Msida in their last outing. Forace, Debono and Chuckunyere were relegated to the substitute’s bench.

The match had an impressive start with Sullivan denying Doncic from three metres and on the other end Jerry Ani was impressive on the left and Akanji saved with the help of the upright.

On six minutes Valletta appealed for a penalty when Darren Debono tripped Ian Zammit inside the area. On eleven minutes Akanji had to dive to save a Chris Camilleri shot.

Valletta continued to enjoy territorial superiority, with Massimo Grima missing a good opportunity in front of Akanji. Sliema broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Stefan Giglio rose above friends and foe to head home a perfect Joe Brincat free-kick from the left.

Valletta lost much of their flair after this setback, and ten minutes later Sliema cynically doubled the score on 35 minutes with another well-executed set-piece. Joe Brincat floated another perfect free-kick, Brian Said headed for the completely unmarked Danilo Doncic who shot home from close range.

It was evident that it was not Valletta’s day as they finished the first half in crescendo hitting the posts on two occasions. Gilbert Agius had a dipper going inches over the bar, and on 41 minutes a great Chris Camilleri freekick beat Akanji but his effort slammed against the upright. In stoppage time Akanji denied Gilbert Agius with a brilliant save, and from the resultant corner taken by Zammit, Gilbert Agius’ shot hit the crossbar.

The second half with another chance for Valletta with a Massimo Grima header slightly missing the base of the upright. On 53 minutes Sliema were reduced to ten players when Stefan Giglio was sent off for dissent after he was booked for a tackle on Keith Fenech.

But luck again turned its back on the Citizens three minutes later when an Ani bombshell slammed against the crossbar and from the rebound Zammit’s effort went inches wide. On 61 minutes a good Valletta move between Agius and Fenech, with Ani’s header missing the target.

The game was now completely in Valletta’s hands, with Sliema unable to come out of their defensive shell. Akanji was on hand to save another effort from Bondin with twenty minutes to go.

On 75 minutes in a rare attack Sliema scored their third goal when against the run of play Ivan Woods beat Sullivan with a dipper from just inside the box.

Sliema W: M. Akanji (M. Camilleri 86’), J. Brincat, M. Dilello, B. Said, D. Debono, N. Turner (C. Mattocks 77’), D. Doncic, J. Chetcuti, I. Woods, S. Giglio, D. Bogdanovic.

Valletta: S. Sullivan, K. Cassar, B. Nisevic, M. Grima, S. Pace (D. Zarb 75’), I. Zammit, J. Bondin, K. Fenech, C. Camilleri (S. Bezzina 84’), G. Agius, J. Ani (M. Galea 86’).

Referee: L. Sammut, asst. refs: N. Debattista, J. Rapa, 4th official: C. Lautier.

Scorers: S. Giglio, D. Doncic, I. Woods

Yellow cards: S. Giglio, J. Bondin

Red card: S. Giglio

Player of the match: Joe Brincat (Sliema)

TMI top three: 1. J. Brincat 2. G. Agius 3. K. Fenech