A goal by substitute Pinto Gomes deep into stoppage time kept Valletta's unbeaten run alive after trailing for much of the second half to Bah's beautiful goal.

The Blues went into this match following a 2-2 draw against Birkirkara, a match in which they had a two nil lead and also numerical advantage. On the other hand Valletta were coming from two consecutive wins against Marsaxlokk and neighbours Floriana respectively.

Thane Micallef fielded the same starting formation of their last match with Paul Zammit making three changes. Steve Pisani, Thiago Espindola and Junior Gomes stared instead of Neil Frendo, Myles Beerman and Boubakary Diarra.

Valletta were the first to venture forward when on 12 minutes off a Paiber corner from the right side in came Radic whose header was saved by Al Tumi.

Midway through the first half Yankam failed to connect when presented with a good opportunity following a cross from the right flank.

The match came to life near the end of the first half. In the 42nd minute a Baggio shot from the edge of the area was turned onto a corner by the Valletta goalkeeper. From the corner that ensued taken by Fernandinho goalkeeper Adilson had to be on the alert to punch away. On the other end Jefferson broke free but his diagonal shot was blocked by Al Tumi. And in added time a Plut shot was blocked into a corner by Micallef.

On the hour Sliema Wanderers drew first blood. It was thanks to a long distance shot by Mamadu Bah whose execution left the Valletta stopper stranded. This was the first goal scored by the Blues in the second half since their previous five goals all materialized in the first forty five minutes.

When the match looked as if Sliema were going to get the maximum points came Valletta's equalizer. The clock was marking 95 minutes, practically the last seconds of added time. Off a cross from the right flank in came Portugese Pinto Gomes whose low volley found the corner of the net sending the Valletta faithful in raptures.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina