VALLETTA-0, FLORIANA-0

Valletta and Floriana shared the spoils as their second-round derby ended goalless this evening.

The game was largely a slow-burning affair with Floriana having an early penalty saved by Valletta goalkeeper Dziugas Bartkus but Valletta also had their chances.

All in all, the draw was a fair outcome with Valletta retaining their one-point lead over Floriana.

Floriana missed a great chance to take the lead after 11 minutes. They were given a penalty for a handball by Valdo Alhinho but Nicolas Chiesa's spot-kick was saved by Dziugas Bartkus.

Bartkus nearly spoiled his good work when, on 14 minutes, he rushed out of goal to try and clear Steve Pisani's set-piece cross but the ball flew past him only for Jurgen Pisani to head wide.

There was an even better chance for Valletta as Jhonnattann, running on to a perfect through-ball, swept past the on-rushing Justin Haber before hitting a low shot that squirmed past three Floriana defenders only to end wide of the far post.

Valletta's Llywelyn Cremona was off target after connecting with Steve Borg's intelligent pass from the right wing.

Michael Mifsud was prominent with a diagonal run but he lifted his shot over the crossbar as VAlletta took the upperhand.

Late in the first half, Jhonnattann's long-range free-kick was saved by Haber saved with the aid of the crossbar.

Six minutes from half-time, Alhinho put in a low cross into goalmouth and Enzo Ruiz's clearance came off Montebello but Haber saved easily.

Eight minutes into the second half, Cremona produced on a sizzling run but his effort was blocked by Haber.

Floriana were now attacking with more purpose, winning a couple of corners that were repelled by the Valletta players.

Late in the game, Bartkus saves two attempts from Varela as the game ended goalless.

Bartkus was named BOV player of the match.