MARSAXLOKK-0, VALLETTA-2
Champions Valletta scored twice in the second half to see off the bold challenge of Marsaxlokk in the only BOV Premier League game this afternoon.
Captain Gilbert Agius and substitute Ousseni Zongo hit the goals for the Citizens who, despite dominating possession, found it hard to break down Marsaxlokk's defence who were inspired by a series of fine saves from young goalkeeper Christian Cassar.
Valletta thus ended their first round commitments on top of the standings with 28 points, one more than Hibs.
Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Christian Cassar produced a routine save from Denni's central effort inside the opening minute.
At the other end, Andrew Hogg, the Valletta goalkeeper, blocked a long-range attempt from Gary Caruana.
Valletta did most of the running in the early stages. Denni dribbled his way through on the left before passing to Alfred Effiong who flicked just wide of the near post.
A mistake by the Valletta defence on 17 minutes handed Marsaxlokk an opening as Obinna Obiefule raced into the box to reach Emiliano Lattes's pass but the Nigerian hit wide with only Hogg to beat.
Four minutes later, Valletta would have forged ahead but for a fine save from Cassar who pushed Gilbert Agius's powerful header over the bar after the City captain had connected with Edmond Agius's dipping cross from a central free-kick.
The champions stayed on top but, to their credit, the Marsaxlokk players showed admirable commitment despite the club's off-field problems.
On one occasion, Lattes raced past the back-tracking City defenders but Hogg sprinted off his line to field the ball before the Argentine could conclude.
Cassar thwarted the Citizens again close to the half-hour mark with a point-blank intervention to push away Denni's drive from Roderick Briffa's right-wing cross. The loose ball fell to Barbosa who hit the post.
Barbosa drove wide from a good position after Marsaxlokk had struggled to deal with Ryan Fenech's cross from a right-wing free-kick.
Despite their superior possession, Valletta failed to penetrate Marsaxlokk's defence as the first half ended goalless.
Early in the second half, Gilbert Agius's dipping shot from inside the box sailed high. Gilbert Agius was not the be denied though as, 13 minutes into the second half, the Valletta captain was on the right spot to turn Ryan Fenech's cross into the net.
Valletta should have doubled their lead midway through the second half when Barbosa served Denni in the box and the Brazilian set up Effiong but the latter's tame effort sailed into Cassar's hands.
A rare Obiefule set off on a good diagonal run before squaring to Farrugia wjo fired wide from outside the box.
Two minutes from time, Cassar, who deservedly won the man of the match award, denied Valletta again with another brave save from Ousseni Zongo's screamer. But, on the stroke of time, Valletta extended their lead, Zongo surprising Cassar with a low shot from an angled position after the Burkina Faso winger had received from Gilbert Agius.
In the closing stages, Marsaxlokk came close to pulling a goal back but Carlo Mamo's rising effort was pushed onto the bar by Hogg.