Patrick Curmi (Marsaxlokk coach) knew that this would be a hard-fought match nut his team’s aim was to put a decent challenge.

Curmi admitted that his plans were hampered by Valletta’s early first goal. The second goal practically killed all their hopes.

The Marsaxlokk coach is deeply concerned about the injuries suffered to three key players, Clive Brincat, Trevor Templeman and Sunday Eboh, during the match and hopes that they will not be absent for a long period as this will be detrimental in future matches.

About Alcorse’s sending off, Patrick Curmi had doubts about the first booking because according to him, the forward was not in an offside position.

About the second card, the Marsaxlokk coach admitted that he did not see the incidsent but his player assured him that he did not hit opponent Steve Borg in any way.

Jesmond Zerafa (Valletta coach) was aware of Marsaxlokk’s strengths and that they would be facing a stern test. Yet his side’s determination brought an early goal and they remained fully concentrated to score the second shortly after the resumption.

Zerafa was happy with Valletta’s performance. They were tactically very good and could have even scored more than two goals.