Valletta 2

Tarxien R. 2

Valletta: A. Hogg, R. Briffa, J. Caruana (R. Dos Santos), I. Azzopardi, S. Borg, E. Agius, J. Pace, K. Sammut, G. Agius (R. Fenech), D. Dos Santos (I. Zammit), T. Scerri

Tarxien R: D. Cassar, S. Sadowski, M. Caruana (R. Mintoff), E. Pereira, R. Costa (A. Farrugia), C. Rodriguez, D. Bueno, L. Vella Critien, J. Vella (S. Hili), L. Galea, J. Grioli

Referee: P. Caruana A.refs: I. Spiteri, J. Camilleri 4th official: A. Arciola

Scorers: T. Scerri 14 pen, R. Costa 41, E. Agius 42, D. Bueno 47

Yellow cards: L. Galea

Player of the match: D. Bueno (Tarxien R)

TMI top 3: 1. R. Costa 2. E. Agius 3. L. Galea

Attendance: 5,500

Valletta’s final ambition, that of remaining unbeaten in the entire season, was reached yesterday when the new BOV Premier League champions drew 2-2 with Tarxien Rainbows in the last match, on a day that was reserved for their celebrations.

As often happens, football plays second role on such occasions and goals apart, there were few, if any, exciting moments on the field of play.

But that has little importance. Never mind the League’s format which is often under heavy fire by critics. And never mind that the goalposts were moved midway through the season with only one team being relegated, nothing could stop Valletta celebrating their 20th league title which was always on the cards.

Valletta were truly this season’s real deal as they sealed the championship three matches before the end of the campaign.

Valletta were by far the most consistent team in the Premier League, without defeat in 28 matches, winning an impressive 18 of them, without conceding in 16. They boast of the most prolific attack, having scored one short of 60 goals and had the meanest defence which was beaten only 17 times.

Their striker Terence Scerri (16 goals) is the league’s second best scorer behind Marsaxlokk’s Alfred Effiong.

Valletta born coaches Jesmond Zerafa and Nardu Farrugia, who joined last summer, have brought discipline and harmony in the side as some unhappy players who lost their place, were allowed to seek pastures elsewhere. To have top players sitting on the bench and not grumble was not easy but the overall excellent atmosphere in the squad, also thanks to new team manager Jesmond Zammit, was a key to Valletta’s success.

A major credit should go to club president Victor Sciriha, who is celebrating the second title since he took over four years back. He funds the players and supported Zerafa throughout the season with some good buys at the start and in January, namely those of Denni Dos Santos, Jonathan Caruana, Ian Azzopardi and Ryan Fenech.

Sciriha will now turn his attention to signing players who can help the club do well in the Champions League next season.

The celebrations had started hours before kick-off with the loud and colourful Valletta supporters making their way towards Ta’ Qali in decorated vehicles as they filled both sides of the main stand and a good part of the Millenium stand, chanting and making merry in their own unique way.

But after all the commemorative photos were taken, both teams were down to business. Although some regulars were kept on the bench, sparing them any potential suspension for the FA Trophy semi-final match, the two teams were full bodied enough to entertain all those present.

Valletta were in front before having even put a shot at goal towards the quarter hour. Tarxien defender Galea bundled Terence Scerri inside the area and the Valletta forward tucked away the penalty to score his 16th league goal.

Tarxien’s immediate response came from a Rodriguez header, on a Grioli cross, which keeper Hogg tipped over the bar.

Valletta’s skipper Gilbert Agius limped off with a hamstring injury after only 20 minutes, making way for Ryan Fenech as Valletta continued to knock the ball around without stirring themselves too much.

It was only towards the end of the first half that they jerked into shape again after Tarxien had drawn level on 41 minutes with a Ricardo Costa headed goal off Vella’s cross from the left.

Valletta regained the lead within a minute. Denni played the ball wide to Sammut who crossed from the right for Edmond Agius to hit low at the far post.

The teams had hardly settled down into the second half when Tarxien scored the equaliser on 47 minutes. Daniel Bueno was allowed space to head in Grioli’s cross from the right.

Play became scrappy as the ball shifted from one side to the other with little purpose. On 65 minutes Pace’s thunderous drive, from some 25 metres out, rebounded off the bar and seven minutes later, Sammut pounced on a Briffa cross but keeper Cassar saved into a corner.

The afternoon’s climax was reached when the new champions were presented with the winners’ trophy from MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo for them to savour a much deserved success after a two-year wait.