CHRIS CASSAR

League leaders Birkirkara could not overcome Valletta's stiff resistance, and had to settle for a mere point, as their advantage at the top of the table has now been reduced to two points.

The Citizens played their hearts out against a technically superior outfit. But yesterday Valletta confirmed that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Championship Pool.

The players fought for every ball in every part of the field forcing the Birkirkara players to be very erratic in their passes.

The match never reached high standards as the cup-tie spirit prevailed, but the crowd that braved the cold weather was surely not disappointed, especially with the fare offered in the second half.

Without the suspended Gilbert Agius and Keith Fenech, Valletta coach Paul Zammit had to adopt some tactical changes from the last outing against Hibernians. Valletta recovered defenders Kevin Cassar and Branco Nisevic, with the latter partnering Sharlon Pace as central defenders. Rennie Forace was on the left back position with Steve Bezzina giving a helping hand on that flank from midfield.

However Valletta sorely missed their captain as they lacked vision of play, and almost immediately lost possession of the ball as their long passes fell easy prey to the Stripes' rearguard. Mattocks, Dean and Bondin struggled for every ball, but Birkirkara's midfield sector was simply superior with Mallia and Camenzuli supported on the flanks by Bonnici and Lino Galea.

Last week's hero Monesterolo was constantly watched by Birkirkara's Yanchev, with Monye and Scicluna caging the other City striker Ian Zammit. As usual, Michael Galea was Birkirkara's spearhead, well supported by Etienne Barbara on the right and Briffa on the left.

Both teams had a rather timid approach to the game with the first attempt coming after 15 minutes when Ian Zammit tested Simon from long range. Birkirkara kept the Valletta defence under constant pressure even though they never really tested Sullivan.

After 30 minutes of constant pressure the Stripes had two chances with George Mallia heading high and Roderick Briffa blasting well over the bar from an ideal position after a good cross from Barbara. Seven minutes from time Birkirkara went very close with a Michael Galea header landing on the roof of the net.

The second half started with Birkirkara having two attempts from long range with Camenzuli and Michael Galea. Valletta had a rare break on 63 minutes with Ian Zammit passing to Monesterolo who shot slightly wide.

On 72 minutes Valletta were unlucky when a solitary Ian Zammit action was finished off with a good grounder hitting the upright with Simon beaten. On 88 minutes Valletta missed a sitter when following a Mattocks slalom, Monesterolo failed to beat Simon from five metres with only the goalkeeper to beat.