VALLETTA-4, ĦAMRUN SPARTANS-0
Valletta regained their three-point lead at the top of the table after a 4-0 win over Ħamrun Spartans in today's second match at the National Stadium.
The Citizens recovered from the setback of missing an early penalty, scoring two goals in each half to cruise past the depleted Spartans who fought bravely but were second best to the champions.
Valletta had a glorious opportunity to go ahead after just four minutes. They were given a penalty after Massimo Grima was ruled to have touched the ball with his hands as he tried to block Denni's cross from the inside-right channel.
Macedonian referee Dejan Jakimovski pointed to the spot but Denni's low strike was saved by Andrea Cassar.
The Citizens took some to regain their composure following their penalty miss but they remained the better side. On 13 minutes, captain Gilbert Agius crossed for Denni inside the box but the Brazilian blasted over. Edmond Agius's effort from Ryan Fenech's headed assist was blocked by Cassar.
Ħamrun came more into the picture as the first half moved on. Grima's set-piece cross from the right sailed towards the far side of Valletta's box and Dene Shields's dipping header forced Andrew Hogg to push the ball away for a corner.
At the other end, Fenech fired over after being served by Edmond Agius but a minute past the half-hour, Valletta nosed ahead. They were awarded another penalty, this time for what looked like a dubious handsball by Matthew Gauci from another Denni cross, and William Barbosa scored from the penalty spot.
Ħamrun would have netted an instant equaliser but for Hogg's fine save from Carlo Polli's fierce strike.
The game became more entertaining in the final stages of the opening half. Fenech's corner from the left caused panic in the Spartans' box as a half-clearance dropped to Denni whose overhead kick ended wide.
Denni put his name on the scoresheet six minutes from half-time, the Brazilian beating Cassar with a first-time flick from Dyson Falzon's cross.
The Citizens were now on top. They could have made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time but Alfred Effiong's drive ended high and wide.
Early in the second half, Cassar, the Spartans goalkeeper, beat away Fenech's dangerous shot as Valletta persisted with their attacks.
Ribeiro sent his shot over the bar from just inside the box but the champions remained in control.
They should have sealed the points when, on 61 minutes, Effiong went past Nikica Gacesa but his cross for Fenech was overhit.
Valletta created another good move 21 minutes from time as Gilbert Agius set up Edmond Agius whose angled effort was blocked by Cassar.
Denni was wide with a curling shot but five minutes from time, Valletta widened their advantage. Gilbert Agius, one of Valletta's better performers, beat Cassar with an excellent header from Denni's cross.
Agius went off injured in the dying moments but Valletta continued to dominate. Denni was denied by Cassar but Ousseni Zongo made it 4-0 with a powerful shot.
Denni was named BOV player of the match.