After four matches in which they only collected one point, Valletta returned to winning ways beating Sirens 1-0 in a drab affair which only came to life in the last quarter of the match. For Valletta this victory comes after another victory in the FA Trophy against Gudja United in mid-week, but Valletta’s problems are far from over, but at least it is finally the first win under the guidance of Portuguese coach Antonio Jose Cardoso Mendes
Yesterday they struggled against a Sirens side that had to play for almost an hour with a man less when Jammeh received a second yellow on 31 minutes. Much more was expected from the Citizens who failed to take advantage from this superiority.
Valletta failed to create, even though having more possession of the ball. When in fron Valletta failed to control the match with Sirens missing a penalty five minutes from time and with Valletta, firat reduced to ten men when Ryan Camilleri was sent off in the penalty incident, and then in stoppage time, the Citizens were even reduced to nine when goalkeeper Henry Bonello was shown a straight red for retaliation on an opponent.
Goal mouth actions were scarce throughout the whole 90 minutes. On twelve minutes a good cross from Fontanella but Piciollo failed to connect and on 28 minutes a good opportunity for Sirens with Tounkara hitting over the bar when well placed, and three minutes later Jammeh received a second booking for a foul on Sala, leaving Tedesco’s team with ten men.
Valletta increased the pressure in the second half especially with the inclusion of Ryan Fenech for Maric, but still were never a treath to Cassar. But hen on 75 minutes Valletta broke the deadlock when from a Ryan Fenech well taken corner, Eslit Sala headed home to score his second goal this season.
Valletta were now supposed to be in the driving seat, but it was not to be as they failed to administer their slender lead. Six minutes from time the Valletta defence was caught napping with Kone passing towards Tounkara who all alone in front of Bonello was floored by Ryan Camilleri, with the penalty awarded and the Valletta defender sent off.
But from the penalty spot Wilfred Domoraud’s shot smashed against the upright, and thus Valletta were safe. But it was not over. With nothing to lose Sirens pushed forward with the Citizens now struggling.
In stoppage Valletta goalkeeper Bonello was fouled by Bittaye but the City keeper hit back at the Sirens player and was sent off leaving Valletta in nine for the final seconds of the match. Sirens had another good opportunity, but Kone’s freekick just missed the base of the upright and Valletta’s victory was secured.
Photo: James Galea
