Den Ouden on target in narrow defeat for Valletta

Valletta yesterday concluded their week-long training camp in the Netherlands with a commendable performance in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Fortuna Sittard.

Dutch forward Geert den Ouden scored Valletta's goal.

On Saturday, Valletta cruised to a 5-0 win over Dutch side VV Heidebloem. Jordi Cruyff hit a brace while strikers Terrence Scerri, signed from champions Hibs last week, and Den Ouden were also on target for Ton Caanen's team. Heidebloem also committed an own goal during Saturday's one-sided friendly.

Meanwhile, Birkirkara, Valletta's first-day opponents in the 2009/10 BOV Premier League, beat Tarxien Rainbows 3-1 in a friendly on Saturday. Michael Galea fired Birkirkara ahead after three minutes and Dutch striker Sylvano Comvalius doubled their advantage eight minutes from half-time.

Denni Rocha Dos Santos converted a penalty to pull one back for Tarxien 15 minutes from time but Comvalius restored Birkirkara's two-goal lead in the 82nd minute.