Hamrun Spartans 0

Valletta 2

Valletta continued showing that they are again the team to beat this season when they easily disposed of a rather tame Hamrun Spartans side with a goal in each half although the result could have been much more crushing.

In the second match of the evening, Hamrun Spartans and Valletta crossed swords in a classic derby with both sides coming from victories against Balzan Youths and Tarxien Rainbows respectively.

Hamrun were at full strength fielding Gaetan Spiteri back from suspension, while Valletta again left Michael Mifsud on the bench.

As expected Valletta started strongly and after just two minutes, Denni drifted into the box but the Hamrun defence managed to block the Brazilian’s effort.

After a period of innocuous play, the Lilywhites took the lead when a cross by Briffa found Steve Borg who found the net with a fine looping header.

Valletta were totally dominant and on 26 minutes could have doubled their advantage when Effiong slammed a fine shot which was blocked by Borg.

Hamrun had their own chance to equalise on 30 minutes when Roderick Fenech almost concluded from close range after a corner.

On 27 minutes, Gaetan Spiteri again came close with a conclusion from inside the box while on 37 minutes, Denni had a fine shot which was blocked by Borg.

The second half started slowly with Valletta always in control although Hamrun were refusing to throw in the towel. On 61 minutes, Massimo Grima had a fine low free kick which however was easily saved by Hogg.

Valletta doubled their lead on 67 minutes when Ryan Fenech lobbed over to Alfred Effiong who had the easiest of opportunities to slot the ball into an empty net.

Valletta could have added to their tally several times but on 74 minutes, Effiong hit the post when completely in the clear and a few minutes later, the same striker could not connect after having received from Denni.

On 81 minutes the same Effiong shot well wide.

Hamrun Spartans: O. Borg, N. Gacesa, M. Grima, R. Fenech, A. M. Ribeiro, K Sammut, M. Gauci, G. Calabretta, C Polli, G. Spiteri (R Mangion), L F Silva (C E Toneto Pacari)

Valletta: A. Hogg, J. Caruana, S. Borg, I Azzopardi, A. Effiong, R Briffa, J. Pace, E. Agius, R. Fenech (D Falzon), D Dos Santos (I Zongo), W. Barbosa

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi

Scorers: S Borg 15, A Effiong 67

Yellow cards: G Spiteri, C Polli, Ribeiro

Player of the match: Denni dos Santos (Valletta)

TMI top 3: 1.Denni dos Santos 2. A Effiong 3. R Fenech