Federico Falcone scored a late penalty for Valletta as the Citizens grabbed a precious draw against Gzira in a lanaced match between two struggling sides.

Gzira looked heading for a much needed win but Valletta’s late equaliser foiled their hopes. Both teams were smarting from a defeat in their last outing, with Valletta beaten by champions and leaders Hamrun Spartans, and with the Maroons again suffering a late blow, losing the derby against newly promoted Sliema Wanderers.

Both sides had a rather timid approach, more keen not to suffer an early goal rather than searching for an early lead.

However Gzira took the lead on 13 minutes when ex Hibernians Thaylor Aldama headed home a Zach Scerri cross. Valletta felt the early blow and their goalkeeper Jake Galea saved them from further trouble when he saved a macula effort.

Valletta’s first signs of revival came came on 28 minutes when Garba missed a golden opportunity in front of goal heading incredibly over the bar, an inviting cross from Paiber. Just before the break Valletta were again menacing when Zarkov saved a Garba dipper and from the resultant corner Falcone’s header was cleared by Zuniga.

The second half was less emotional, a brad affair at times, with Valletta having more of the ball and holding the initiative for long stretches but the Maroons were never really in danger. But six minutes from time a Ferraris shot was handled by Riascos with the referee awarding Valletta the penalty.

From the penalty spot Falcone made no mistake to save the day for the Citizens. But it was’nt over yet as Valletta almost snatched a dramatic winner in a fast break which saw substitute Susnjara denied by a great Zarkov save.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina