This match had no interest whatsoever as the two sides were out of any contention, either at the top or at the other end, but Msida were seeking their first ever Championship Pool victory.

Raykov’s men finished their commitments with another defeat as Claude Mattocks scored the winner for Valletta midway through the second half.

The match only served to give both sides the chance to give more experience to their younger players with Valletta putting in Justin Grioli and Dylan Zarb right from the start, not to mention goalie Montfort who seems to have relegated Sullivan to No. 2. Msida had Lydon Micallef starting the match.

Actions on goal were few and far between, but on 22 minutes, Monesterolo’s effort into an untenanted net was cleared off the line by Tyrone Farrugia.

Three minutes later, at the other end, it was Nwoke who had a good shot going wide.

But on 27 minutes, Valletta took the lead with a low Gilbert Agius shot from the edge of the area that had goalie Bartolo beaten all ends up.

Msida hit back and equalised on 41 minutes when off a Zongo cross, it was Branko Nisevic who unfortunately hit into his own net in an effort to clear.

At the start of the second half, Msida appeared more determined and went close through Dino Cachia who should have done better following a good Zongo cross.

At the other end, Monesterolo and Agius both had shots going over the bar.

On 58 minutes, Nwoke went past two Valletta defenders, but the young Montfort dived courageously at his feet to avoid an awkward situation.

Eight minutes later, at the other end, Valletta were unlucky not to have taken the lead again when an Agius shot hit the upright.

Justice was done on the 73rd minute when Claude Mattocks received a good ball to hit home a fine rising shot from the edge of the area.

Montfort came to Valletta’s rescue on 78 minutes as he tipped to corner a dangerous Nwoke header.

In the final moments, Valletta could have assured themselves of the points as both Agius and Zammit missed good chances.

* * *

Msida SJ: M. Bartolo, J. Mifsud, M. Pullicino, T. Farrugia, C. Sciberras, D. Cachia (D. Gatt), P. Fenech (M. Valenzia), L. Micallef (S. Grima), I. Babatunde, D. Nwoke, Z. Oussani.

Valletta: M. Montfort, J. Grioli, S. Pace, B. Nisevic, S. Bezzina (R. Forace), J. Bondin(C. Camilleri), C. Mattocks, D. Zarb (M. Barbara), I. Zammit, G. Agius, S. Monesterolo.

Referee: A. Zammit. Asst refs: I. Spiteri, K. Borg. 4th official: A. Casha

Scorers: G. Agius, B. Nisevic (o.g.), C. Mattocks

BOV player of the match: Gilbert Agius.

TMI Top 3: 1. G. Agius; 2. I. Zammit; 3. C. Sciberras