The writing had long been on the wall. Valletta needed a point to make sure of their 20th league title. In the process they got three, beating Marsaxlokk by a Roderick Briffa second half goal and engineered by their best player Ryan Fenech, with three matches to spare.

No one doubts Valletta’s credentials. This was Valletta’s 18th win from 25 matches and their fifth consecutive without conceding a goal. They remain unbeaten this season.

It was Valletta’s afternoon, as most of them tend to be these days.

Marsaxlokk can be commended for their decent challenge as they stayed composed and resolute in defence, holding out their opponents for almost an hour.

They were tactically more aware. Licari, Brincat, Yanchev and Mamo made up the back four, with Galabov, Sciberras and Raimy providing good cover in front of them. The latter chased Gilbert Agius all along the pitch to stifle the Valletta skipper’s distribution.

Pullicino was another defensive midfielder as Deanov provided support to lone striker Effiong. That meant there was no place for Templeman and Darmanin in Marsaxlokk’s starting line-up.

Valletta made only one change from their last win against Hamrun Spartans, handing a start to Gilbert Agius instead of Jamie Pace. They relied on the service and creativity of Ryan Fenech, who showed flashes of class, but the Citizens made few advances inside Marsaxlokk territory. To say that the first half was lacking in action and excitement, would be the understatement of the season

In fact, Valletta’s keeper Hogg had to make the only save past the quarter hour, holding out Effiong’s shot after he had dangerously made his way inside the Valletta area.

But Valletta were soon to take a grip on the proceedings in the second half, as they began to have more possession. Already after five minutes, Fenech’s cross from the right fell to the unmarked Dennis whose effort was blocked by his team mate Anderson.

On 52 minutes Valletta made the breakthrough. Ryan Fenech galloped down the right flank, chased by Raimy, and crossed towards the middle for Roderick Briffa to lob intelligently over the onrushing keeper Gauci.

Marsaxlokk almost drew level when a Deanov cross beat the Valletta defence. Effiong should have done better but shot wide from close distance.

Marsaxlokk put in Ryan Darmanin for Pullicino in search of an equaliser but Valletta threatened again with Caruana running out of defence to set Anderson on the move. The Valletta forward shrugged off Yanchev’s challenge but his final shot went narrowly off target.

On 77 minutes, Valletta went close again to double their lead. Briffa foraged through the middle, playing the ball wide to Fenech whose low shot rebounded off the innerside of the upright.

But Marsaxlokk seemed to struggle in the skill stakes as the match wore on although nine minutes from time, Sciberras played the ball forward for Darmanin who ran clear but Valletta keeper Hogg rushed out to block.

Quite simply, all the individual honours went to the boys in white as Valletta emerged worthy winners at the end and celebrated the championship win with their vociferous and colourful supporters in the stands.

Valletta A. Hogg, S. Borg, J. Caruana, I. Azzopardi, R. Dos Santos, R. Briffa, E. Agius, G. Agius, D. Dos Santos (O. Temile), R. Fenech (J. Pace), A. Anderson (T. Scerri)

Coach J. Zerafa

Marsaxlokk R. Gauci, M. Licari, C. Mamo (G. Caruana), C. Brincat, E. Yanchev, P. Pullicino (R. Darmanin), F. Raimy, R. Galabov, G. Sciberras, M. Deanov, A. Effiong

Coach P. Curmi

Referee C. Pisani

Asst.refs A. Camilleri, M. Debono

4th official A. Azzopardi

Scorers R. Briffa 52

Yellow cards M. Licari, I. Azzopardi, C. Mamo, P. Pullicino, G. Agius, R. Dos Santos, C. Brincat

Player of the match R. Briffa (Valletta)

TMI top 3 1. R. Fenech 2. R. Briffa 3. C. Mamo

Attendance 3,876