Ten-man St. Patrick's scored the winner ten minutes from time to shatter Valletta's dreams of becoming the first Maltese team to make it to the third round of a European competition.

Valletta were yesterday defeated when they were so close to this historic qualification. But Valletta were yesterday too much under pressure as the high qualification chances played a nasty trick on the locals.

Valletta elected to defend for long stretches and maybe that was their main fault yesterday. When the Citizens attacked in full force in the dying minutes they confirmed that they could have easily perforated the Irish defence.

But it was not to be. Ironically the red card on 78 minutes proved to hit Valletta worse than their opponents who immediately scored the winner as the Valletta defence was caught napping for the first time in the whole 90 minutes.

Valletta did not see much of the ball in the opening minutes as they waited for their opponents to make the first moves. The Irish immediately took hold of the midfield sector with Falzon and Den Ouden isolated up front.

The Citizens were very prudent with a five-man defensive wall directed by Jordi Cruyff. After some feeble appeals for a penalty by St. Patrick's, Valletta had their first attempt at goal through a Gilbert Agius freekick that was blocked by Rogers.

Six minutes later Jamie Pace exchanged the ball with Den Ouden, but the Irish goalkeeper charged out of position to block the danger. On 20 minutes a Valletta defensive lapse paved the way for Ryan Guy who blasted wide when well placed.

Valletta's cautious game continued to reward them as they slowly but surely started to play the better football. Marshalled by a splendid Gilbert Agius Valletta continued to keep possession of the ball with Hogg practically inactive in the first fourty five minutes.

On 38 minutes Jamie Pace's shot from the edge of the area was blocked by Rogers and the same goalkeeper blocked a Gilbert Agius well taken freekick just before the break.

The second half was on the same pattern even though the Saints tried to speed up the proceedings. On 56 minutes Valletta went close when Den Ouden rounded off two defenders on the edge of the area but his shot slightly missed the base of the upright. Two minutes later Andrew Hogg made his first save when he stretched to block an O'Connor shot.

The Saints were now in full command as Valletta felt the pressure and retreated in their own penalty area. Tom Caanen made his first change when he replaced Justin Grioli with Edmond Agius. Grioli played in advanced position and gave his best but tired out.

Twelve minutes from time Den Ouden was well served by Jamie Pace but the Dutch striker was floored by substitute Darragh Ryan, with the referee showing the red card to the Irish player. But two minutes later St. Patrick's dealt a deadly blow when O'Brien completely unmarked headed in from close range.

Valletta were now a transformed side as they pushed everything forward with Cruyff among the attackers. Gilbert Agius tested the Irish goalkeeper and the Citizens had a couple of near misses through den Ouden and Cruyff. The Lillywhites also had penalty appeals turned down by the referee. It was a little too late for Valletta who could have easily made it with some luck.

However the final whistle greeted the Valletta players with a round of applause from the numerous and loyal City fans who must have have appreciated Valletta's fine run in Europe this season.