VALLETTA-2, FLORIANA-1
Valletta fought back from a goal down to down rivals Floriana 2-1 in the opening match of the Euro Cup this evening.
The rivalry between these two clubs drew a sell-out crowd of 1,400 to the Hibs Stadium and the fans were not disappointed as the two teams, despite still being way below their best in terms of match fitness, produced a combative encounter.
Victory for Valletta has boosted their chances of winning this three-team tournament while Floriana must beat Birkirkara in Monday's second match to stay in contention.
New signing Ousseni Zongo and Brazilian trialist William Barbosa Da Silva were included in Valletta's starting formation.
Floriana coach Michael Woods also used this match to have a closer look at the three players who are training with the club on a trial basis, namely English defender John Hardicker, French winger L'Imam Seydi and Italian striker Salvatore Amirante.
Denni tried his luck with a dipping shot but his long-range effort sailed high and wide. At the other end, Amirante hit the ball over the bar after meeting a fine left-wing cross from Christian Caruana.
Both teams looked short of match fitness in the early exchanges, something that was to be expected given that this was their first pre-season match.
Roderick Briffa went close for Valletta but his grounder was off target. A good City move opened up Floriana as William Barbosa flicked the ball to Denni who promptly passed to the advancing Briffa. The City left-back sped into the box before delivering a shot across Matthew Towns but much to Floriana's relief, the ball bounced wide of the far post.
Floriana responded quickly. Running on to a long ball, Amirante shrugged off Steve Borg's challenge but fired over from the edge of the box.
In the closing stages of the first half, Briffa served Zongo in the box but the former Msida winger sent his shot wide of the near post.
Floriana stunned Valletta when taking the lead eight minutes into the second half. Mano Micallef's cross from a free-kick triggered a penalty-box scramble and Joseph Borg's backheader flew past the startled Andrew Hogg.
Valletta produced an instant reaction. Denni headed straight at Matthew Towns from Ryan Fernech's cross.
Ian Zammit, a second-half substitute, fired wide after receiving from William Barbosa as Valletta raised their efforts in search of an equaliser.
Clyde Borg threatened to increase Floriana's lead but his piledriver was tipped away by Hogg. Valletta made it 1-1 14 minutes from time thanks to Fenech who beat Towns with a swerving free-kick.
Valletta moved ahead with 10 minutes remaining, Edmond Agius flicking past Towns from close in after connecting with Steve Borg's headed assist.