Debutant Mifsud on mark as City down Qormi

Valletta-3, Qormi-0

Michael Mifsud enjoyed a happy debut for Valletta this afternoon as the Malta striker was among his team’s scorers in a 3-0 win over Qormi.

Valletta found their scoring touch in the second half as they hit three goals in the space of 10 minutes to bounce back from their upset to Sliema Wanderers. The Citizens have now joined Birkirkara at the top but the latter will go three points clear if they beat Tarxien Rainbows tomorrow.

Valletta saw more of the ball but they struggled to turn their superior possession into scoring chances.

Midway into the first half, Mifsud made headway on the right before crossing for Steve Bezzina who was unmarked at the other side. The City left-back crossed low for Terrence Scerri but the latter’s close-range effort was blocked by Matthew Farrugia, the Qormi goalkeeper.

Farrugia was prominent again on 31 minutes when he punched away Gilbert Agius’s cross-shot from a corner.

Valletta continued to show the better ideas in attack. Mifsud fashioned another opportunity for Valletta when he sped clear of Jonathan Bondin on the right before teeing up Scerri who hit just wide.

Qormi finally began to show signs of life in attack in the latter stages of the first half. They protested for a penalty when Camilo went down under pressure from Luke Dimech but referee Anton Zammit waved play on.

On the stroke of half-time, Farrugia thwarted Valletta when keeping out Mifsud’s half-volley after the latter had been picked out by Roderick Briffa just inside the Qormi box.

Valletta forged ahead two minutes into the second half. Doding Priso’s long cross from the right dropped to Bezzina who centred for Scerri who fired home from close range.

Barely three minutes later, Valletta doubled their lead, captain Gilbert Agius beating Farrugia with an excellent shot.

The Citizens sealed the issue on 57 minutes. Mifsud enhanced the City fans’ delight when scoring with a well-hit strike to cap a highly positive debut.

Late in the game, Qormi midfielder Massimo Grima’s rising shot cannoned off the crossbar.

Valletta’s Agius was voted BOV player of the match.