Determination and willpower will see us through says Falzon

Sheer determination is a key requisite for success in all sport and on Monday night Valletta amply proved that with a crucial victory over leaders Hibernians that re-ignited their aspirations of retaining the Premier League title.

The Malta champions came into this top-of-the-table clash with no alternatives other than to beat Hibs and stay in the running for a successful title defence.

From the outset it was clear that Valletta were in no mood to let the opportunity escape from their grasp. Again backed by their loyal fans notwithstanding the cloudy weather, they took the ground running and found an early breakthrough through Paulo Massaro, the Brazilian striker.

Hibs relied on Terrence Scerri, Andrew Cohen and Zeferino Soares Borges to lead their charge but found a solid Valletta rearguard in front of them.

Late in the first half, however, a defensive blip in the City box handed the Paolites the equaliser when Soares Borges stabbed home from close in.

In the action that led to Soares Borges's goal, Valletta lost goalkeeper Andrew Hogg with a knee injury.

The prospects did not look bright for Paul Zammit's team but they did not give in to the adversities and pushed forward in search of a second goal which duly arrived just before half-time when Dyson Falzon's scorcher whizzed into the Hibs net.

That proved to be the winning goal as after the break Hibs tried to get back into the match but to no avail as the Citizens used their willpower wisely to outsmart their opponents.

Match-winner Falzon said the result was testament of the team's determination to fight back in dire situations.

"There was a lot of pressure on us before the match," Falzon told The Times yesterday.

"Beating Hibs was our only option. The order was tall... Hibs are a very strong team and some critics had already written us off. But, this result has changed all these perspectives.

"The past few weeks were difficult times for us but the real character in our team comes to the fore in such situations. This was by far our best performance of the season.

"Valletta are now back on track and we have no intention of letting this opportunity slip away."

The versatile Falzon has shown great form lately.

Now in his third year with Valletta, the 22-year-old has been deployed in different roles by Zammit but that poses no problem for the former Malta U-21 winger who says he's ready to play anywhere as long as he stays in the team.

"True, I've played in different positions this season, in defence and midfield," Falzon said.

"But, I have been under Paul Zammit's eyes since I was 15 and I think he knows my qualities more than any other. I've always wanted to establish myself in the team and I think I have done a good job so far.

"My main concern is for the club to reach its ambitions and if that means I have to play in different positions it is not a problem for me."

The chances of a league and trophy double look prosperous now and even though Falzon, formerly of Mosta, is totally focused on his club football he concedes that playing for his country also ranks high in his dream list.

"It is no secret that I would love to receive a phone call one day to join the national team," Falzon admitted.

More consistency

"Representing my country at the highest level is the climax for a footballer. But to achieve that I need to be consistent on a regular basis and that's what I intend to do. I'm quite pleased with my form but I always thrive to improve as a player."

Next up for Valletta are Sliema Wanderers on Monday. City will be without goalkeeper Hogg, out for 10 days to recover from his injury, while Roderick Briffa will be suspended after his red card against Hibs.

Falzon knows no such mishap can influence his team's determined bid to outsmart Hibs at the end of the season.

"We have to focus fully on our immediate opponents and try to produce the same kind of determined play we showed on Monday in our remaining matches," Falzon said.

"Beating Hibs was decisive to get back in the reckoning but that result would mean nothing if we drop points against Sliema.

"This is a crucial time of the season. The fans are great and there has never been a better team spirit in our dressing room as we have now... that could well drive us to lift our level of willpower and determination to win this championship."