Sta Lucia were relegated to the Challenge League after losing to Valletta by the odd goal in three. It was a match that the Saints had to win in order to keep up their hopes alive. Instead they left the pitch empty handed and Balzan are now safe following their narrow win against Sliema Wanderers.

It resulted into an entertaining match with the two teams now meeting again on Tuesday in the semi final of the Izibet FA Trophy. The Saints created numerous chances but failed to find the net with the result hitting them hard. They now return to the second tier of local football after three years amongst the elite.

Santa Lucia started brightly and they created the first opportunity when a Soares shot from the distance was saved by Guarnone. Valletta responded on 29 minutes when Caruana set Fontanella but his volley sailed over the bar.

Two minutes later and it was Soares once again who tried his luck from a dead ball situation only to fail in finding the target. And on the other end Curjuric saw his effort end over the bar.

Valletta started the second half on the offensive when on 50 minutes Haber saved on Zammit. Two minutes later and the Lillywhites took the lead. It was a beauty by Triston Caruana who rifled a shot from the distance finding the corner of the net and giving Haber no chance to save.

Santa Lucia’s reaction was an immediate one, knowing that they were now in serious trouble. In fact they put in Alan Da Silva Souza and in the 66th minute he made his way on the right flank  his crossed cleared by the Valletta rearguard with Pisani bringing the best out of Guarnone who turned into a corner.

The Saints kept piling on the pressure and in the 68th minute a shot by Filho was once again saved by Guarnone who was rightly so chosen as the BOV Player of the Match.

Santa Lucia drew level on 71 minutes when Pulis made his way past two opponents, his cross being perfectly met by Plut who headed past the Valletta goalkeeper.

Plut could have given the Saints the lead when eleven minutes from time he concluded wide when well placed.

But in added time first Santa Lucia failed to score when Conti with the goal at his mercy blasted over the bar. And their hopes of regaining their status vanished when deep into stoppage time it was substitute Lucas Campos who found the corner of the net.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina