Valletta’s recent streak of positive results came to an unexpected and abrupt end yesterday when they were beaten by a spirited Gudja side, who returned to winning ways after a bleak period.

Although surprising, Gudja’s victory was a deserved one. Gudja banked on an early goal to control the match till the final whistle with Valletta only dangerous in sporadic attacks.

Valletta coach Thane Micallef was facing his former club, but his side disappointed as the Lillywhites slumped to their fifth defeat of the season.

The decisive goal was scored after barely five minutes when

from an Azzopardi corner Prates scored from close range. Valletta’s first reaction on 20 minutes with Akpoveta heading wide and on the other end

Prates was again dangerous but his header went wide.

Valletta had a very good patch in the final minutes of the first half with Zammit saving a Paiber freekick and minutes later the same Zammit denied Akpoveta.

The Gudja custodian was again outstanding denying Ulrich N’Nomo.

At the start of the second half Vito Plut twice tested Guarnone and in both occasions the Valletta goalkeeper saved well.

Half way through the second half Guarnone was again called in action this time to block a Gusman angled shot.

Valletta’s only efforts came from substitute Cheveresan and from Eslit Sala with fifteen minutes to go.

The final attempt at goal was made by Navarrete but Guarnone was on hand to block.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina