Updated - Adds video footage of celebrations in Valletta
Thousands of people crammed into Republic Street this evening as Valletta celebrated their football championship success, made sweeter by the fact that they were unbeaten throughout the season.
The City ended the season with a 2-2 draw against Tarxien Rainbows in their final league match.
After having secured the title with three games to spare, Valletta were finally presented with the BOV Premier League trophy much to the delight of their ecstatic fans who turned up in their thousands at Ta' Qali.
The Capital was in celebratory mood all day, with a band playing in Republic Street - loud enough to interrupt two trials being heard in the law courts building.
The day belonged to Valletta but Tarxien Rainbows certainly gave a good account of themselves on the pitch as they twice came from a goal down to peg back their more-quoted opponents who struggled to perform to their best in the celebratory atmosphere.
The 2-2 draw left both teams happy as Valletta accomplished their unbeaten feat and Tarxien gained a morale-booster ahead of their FA Trophy semi-final against the champions today week.
True to expectations, the Valletta supporters turned the National Stadium into a cauldron of colour and noise as thousands made their way to Ta’ Qali to watch their team being crowned champions for the 20th time in their history.
It was time to party for the football-mad City residents and the excellent weather ensured that nothing was to spoil their day.
Their spirits rose after 13 minutes as the champions took the lead. They were awarded a penalty after Tarxien defender Lee Galea was adjudged to have wrestled the advancing Scerri to the ground inside the box.
Referee Paul Caruana pointed to the spot and Scerri beat David Cassar with a low shot to move to within a goal of Marsaxlokk’s Alfred Effiong at the top of the scorers’ list.
Scerri had the chance to reach Effiong’s total of 17 goals when Denni’s through-pass found him in space but the lanky striker hit wide from an angled position.
Tarxien had been very effective as an attacking force in the early stages but they threatened to draw level in their first notable foray into Valletta’s half. Justin Grioli’s excellent cross from the right sailed towards Cristiano who rose to head the ball towards the top-corner but up went Andrew Hogg who pushed the ball over the bar.
Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa had to make an early substitution as Gilbert Agius’s participation was curtailed by injury. Ryan Fenech came in for the City captain.
Five minutes past the half-hour, Ricardo Costa’s shot from outside the area sailed wide of the far post.
The Rainbows began to put more pressure on their opponents as the first half wore on. Their improvement was rewarded when, four minutes from half-time, Julian Vella sent in a measured cross from the left and Ricardo Costa headed past Hogg.
Costa’s goal sparked Valletta into action. Barely a minute later, the champions had regained the lead, Edmond Agius stopping to knock the ball past Cassar after reaching an inviting ball from Kevin Sammut.
The first half ended 2-1 in favour of Valletta but Tarxien equalised for the second time inside the opening two minutes of the second period. Daniel Mariano Bueno, one of four Brazilian players in Tarxien’s starting team, stunned Hogg with a powerful header after meeting another fine cross from Grioli.
Bueno’s goal represented another wake-up goal for Valletta who were finding it difficult to find their usual rhythm. This prompted their fans to call on the red-shirted players to get their act together.
Jamie Pace threatened to surprise Tarxien goalkeeper David Cassar with a quickly-taken free-kick but his thunderbolt crashed against the woodwork.
Valletta increased their pressure but their efforts were neutralised by Tarxien. Goalkeeper Cassar parried away Sammut’s flick from Fenech’s cross and, at the other end, Cristiano’s attempt was repelled by Steve Borg before goalkeeper Hogg grabbed the ball.
Bueno, the Tarxien forward, was named BOV player of the match.