Marsaxlokk stepped up their challenge to Sliema for the runner-up placing as they beat a clumsy Valletta side with relative ease yesterday evening.

The three points have lifted the side on to the 33 point mark, alongside Sliema who, however, have a chance to regain sole second place this afternoon by registering a positive result against Msida. The occupier of the runner-up place at the end of the championship will earn a berth in next season’s UEFA Cup.

Though it had to be two gift goals which paved the way for their victory, the southern seasiders were a totally superior outfit and could have won by a bigger margin had they taken the chances which came their way.

It was another impressive performance by this relatively young side which is set to become one of Malta’s top clubs for a long time.

The citizens were never in the match with both Gilbert Agius and the returning Sebastian Monesterolo being well under control.

Moreover, the defence was never at ease against the fast Marsaxlokk players. In fact, it had to be a splendid display by goalie Montfort which kept the result to respectable standards.

Marsaxlokk were all over Valletta in the first half and certainly merited their lead after having taken control right from the very first minute.

After a Jamie Pace effort went over the bar it was Montfort who denied Kevin Sammut, turning the latter’s first timer to a corner. On 13 minutes, the Valletta goalie was again a protagonist as he dived sideways to thwart Bajada.

On19 minutes, as Marsaxlokk insisted on attack, it was Frendo who went close with a fine effort that had Montfort beaten. But the ball hit the crossbar and was cleared to safety.

On 28 minutes, Gomes set Frendo on the edge of the area, but the nippy midfielder saw his effort going well over the bar.

Marsaxlokk finally got their reward on 32 minutes. Nisevic slipped when on the point of clearing a harmless looking ball. Schembri profited and passed to the unmarked Wendell Gomes who advanced unhindered before beating Montfort easily.

Marsaxlokk went further ahead on 56 minutes, again through a gift goal. It was again Nisevic who slipped on the edge of the penalty area and Andre Schembri only had to lob intelligently over the advancing Montfort and into the untenanted net.

Valletta had an Ian Zammit effort being turned to corner by Debono on 65 minutes. At the other end, Montfort again came to City’s rescue on 72 minutes when he saved a point-blank effort from Kevin Sammut. And moments later, the City goal was their hero again, effecting another splendid save off Cleaven Frendo.