Malta claimed second place in the fourth International Tournament after completing their commitments with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Gibraltar.

The final game was difficult for the Maltese team as Gibraltar were determined to gain the points and pip their opponents to the runner-up spot.

Malta found the going tough in the first half as Gibraltar took the initiative.

The hosts maintained their composure to weather Gibraltar’s pressure with goalkeeper Nicholas Farrugia, on his debut, making a series of fine saves.

The numerous supporters at the Corradino Pavilion had good reason to celebrate on 24 minutes when Matteo Desira Buttigieg received a good pass from captain Nicola del Re to slot the ball home for what proved to be the winning goal.

After Desira Buttigieg’s opener, Gibraltar kept piling up the pressure, even using the flying keeper but the Maltese defence held off their opponents’ efforts to secure a morale-boosting victory ahead of the European qualifying tournament next month.

Serbia won the three-team tournament after successive victories over Malta and Gibraltar.

In the opening match, Serbia, ranked 19th in the world, saw off Malta 4-1. They took a three-goal half-time lead thanks to a brace by Vladimir Milosavac and a goal by Mladen Kocic.

Malta, who had pulled one back through Del Re, played better in the second half but found the robust Serbian defence in fine form.

In the dying stages, Kocic, the tournament’s top scorer, netted Serbia’s fourth.

The following day, Serbia secured top spot after hammering Gibraltar 10-2.

Nikola Matijevic scored a hat-trick and Kocic netted twice for the winners.

Final standings
Serbia 6 points; Malta 3; Gibraltar 0.