Marsaxlokk won yesterday’s top-of-the-table tussle against in form Valletta to consolidate their lead at the top of the standings.

They now enjoy a seven-point lead over Msida who will be in action today and could therefore reduce the gap to four points.

Nigerian striker Haruna Doda was Marsaxlokk’s hero yesterday, scoring the winning goal midway through the second half with a splendid overhead kick.

One must, however, commend Valletta. Despite their obvious limitations in comparison with the league leaders, they fought gallantly and remained in contention till the very end, even if Marsaxlokk managed to close all the gaps at the back with Dimech and Wellman playing superbly.

Brian Talbot had to reshuffle Marsaxlokk’s midfield as Kevin Sammut and Jamie Pace were both ruled out through suspension. Despite this, Da Silva, Frendo and Sciberras were well in command of this important sector.

On the other hand, Valletta had their best formation available but coach Paul Zammit opted for a cautious approach, concentrating mainly on defence and operating in counter-attacks.

Marsaxlokk pressed hard from the outset and pegged the citizens in their own half for long stretches, but they could not penetrate, either because they were unlucky through Bogdanovic and Luke Dimech or because Massimo Grima and Co were on top of their respective opponents.

When Valletta suffered the goal, they did not find the necessary strength to fight back, especially with Monesterolo and Agius well under the control of Dimech and Magro respectively.

On the ninth minute, Marsaxlokk threatened through Bogdanovic who pounced on a loose clearance, but goalie Darmanin blocked to corner. Three minutes later, from a Frendo corner, Dimech’s header was blocked by the City defence.

Marsaxlokk insisted on attack and on 21 minutes, Dimech, up with his forwards once again, saw his header off a Cleaven Frendo freekick, smacking against the crossbar with Darmanin completely beaten.

With Valletta concentrating on defence, Marsaxlokk again went close to opening their account when Frendo’s cross found Bogdanovic completely unmarked, albeit in a suspicious offside position, but Darmanin came to his side’s rescue, blocking the striker’s attempt at goal.

Before the interval, it was Valletta who threatened twice through Monesterolo. First his cross-shot went just wide of the far upright while a minute later, it was goalie Reuben Debono who denied the Argentine striker twice in quick succession, after he had dropped the ball near the edge of the area.

Early in the second half, Valletta had a good chance through Bezzina, but he lost balance and hit the ball wide from an angle.

Marsaxlokk took the lead on 59 minutes. From a Cleaven Frendo corner kick, Mamo headed forward for Haruna Doda to hit the back of the net with a splendid rovesciata.

Five minutes later, from another Frendo corner kick, Dimech had a header going just over the post.

Valletta should have been awarded a penalty on 68 minutes, when Dyson Falzon was bundled off the ball in the area by by the strong Dimech. But the referee waved play on.

On 80 minutes, Bogdanovic had a shot blocked by Darmanin. From the rebound Da Silva lofted the ball well over the untenanted post. And soon after, Darmanin was again the protagonist as he blocked a close range effort from Doda.