Valletta 2

Floriana 1

Champions Valletta came from behind to beat Trophy holders and rivals Floriana 2-1 in a tense and exciting opener. This win now puts Valletta as favourites to win the Euro Cup, the first competition of the new season.

The season could’nt have had a better start as both sides continued were they left some three weeks ago in the Trophy final. This time Valletta had the last laugh, but the Greens once again confirmed that they will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

It is still too early to judge, but both sides have room for improvement, hopefully for their forthcoming European commitments. Valletta were slightly better in the first half, but Floriana never gave away an inch, and even managed to forge ahead early in the second half.

The inclusion of Gilbert Agius brought back in the City ranks, even though the champions made sure of victory thanks to two set pieces in the space of three minutes late in the game. The returning Dyson Falzon played a defensive role together with Ian Azzopardi, Steve Borg, and Rodrick Briffa, and was one of the best for the champions.

Floriana as usual played their hearts out with Mano Micallef playing a blinder and goalkeeper Towns confirming that he is an asset for the Greens.

The game a quite start, and Denni had the first attempt at goal on eight minutes. Seven minutes later Floriana went close when Amirante shot slightly over the bar, following a good run by Caruana.

The match was played at a fast pace with both sides pressing in midfield. Goalmouth actions were scarce however and Zongo tried his luck from the edge of the area midway through, but his shot went wide.

On 32 minutes Zongo won a duel with Micallef in the Greens’ penalty area but blasted the ball high. A minute later Valleta were menacing again creating the best move with KeSammut who passed towards the onrushing Briffa whose shot slightly missed the base of the upright.

But Valletta’s best chance came on 35 minutes when Denni passed towards Briffa who again shot slightly off target from an acute angle. The match was now bubbling to life and Floriana missed a good chance but Amirante failed to get past Steve Borg and Azzopardi.

Valletta were now playing the better football but Zongo again was not accurate and failed to score from a Briffa pass.

No changes were made at the start of the second half, and Floriana forged ahead on 53 minutes. Micallef floated a precise freekick and Joseph Borg headed past a helpless Hogg. This was a severe blow for the champions as they could not settle down.

Denni however had a good opportunity but his header was easily saved by Towns. Valletta coach Zerafa introduced Gilbert Agius and Ian Zammit for Sammut and Zongo, and Zammit almost made his presence felt immediately, when he nipped in between two Floriana defenders but his shot was off target.

The Greens grew in confidence as Valletta could not find a way through their organized defence. Tyrone Farrugia had a good effort from a distance going slightly over the bar. On 72 minutes Hogg saved Valletta when he denied Clyde Borg with a very good save.

On 75 minutes Valletta were back on level terms when Denni was brought down just outside the area and Ryan Fenech beat Towns for a great goal. Three minutes later Valletta took the lead through another set piece. Gilbert Agius’ freekick was headed by Steve Borg towards Edmond Agius who fired home from close range.

It was Floriana’s turn to push everything forward as Valletta now found more space up front. However both sets were now drained out as Valletta held on to their slender lead to take sweet revenge over their neighbours.

Valletta: A. Hogg, S. Borg, I. Azzopardi, R. Briffa, E. Agius, R. Fenech, K. Sammut (G. Agius), D. Falzon, D. Dos Santos (C. Frendo), O. Zongo (I. Zammit), W. Barbosa.

Floriana: M. Towns, M. Micallef, D. Pisani, J. Hardicker, O. Bugeja, T. Farrugia, C. Borg, J. Borg (M. Grioli), C. Caruana, I. Seydi, S. Amirante (R. Darmani).

Referee: C. Pisani,

Ass. Refs: P. Apap, W. Debattista

4th official: M. Apap

Scorers: J. Borg 53 min, R. Fenech 75 min, E. Agius 78 min

Yellow cards: I. Azzopardi, J. Hardicker, C. Caruana, M. Micallef, mit, D. Pisani

Attendance: 1,400