Romao stunner gives champions Valletta much needed win
Champions Valletta are back in full contention to retain the title as they beat league leaders Balzan, thanks to a stunning goal scored by Romeo Romao on 20 minutes.
Romao received an inch-perfect pass from Calistus from the other side of the field, and from an almost impossible angle fired in the roof of the net, giving Janjusevic no chance to save.
It was a deserved victory for Valletta who played a brilliant game, completely having the edge in the first half with Balzan out of the picture.
In the second period, especially with the inclusion of Alfred Effiong, Balzan had more punch up front, and Valletta had to defend for long stretches.
However although under pressure Valletta kept their cool with their three defenders, Steve Borg, Jonathan Caruana and Ryan Camilleri playing a great match, well aided on the flanks by Calistus and Aguirre.
As Valletta were under pressure coach paul Zammit introduced youngster Jean Borg who gave the Valletta rearguard, the best in the premier league with only 17 goals, an added boost.
In attack Zammit introduced veteran Mifsud half way through the second half, and Mifsud’s speed kept the Balzan defence under constant check.
Balzan finished the game with ten players when Anderson de Barros was sent off for two yellow cards, both for similar fouls on Valletta midfielder Alinho, who was also one of the best for his side.
Valletta knowing that only a victory would keep in the reckoning, went all out for an early goal, and Balzan were kept in their own half.
P W D L F A Pts Hibernians 26 17 5 4 47 23 56 Balzan 26 16 6 4 54 29 54 Valletta 26 15 8 3 43 17 53 Birkirkara 25 13 5 7 47 23 44 Floriana 25 12 7 6 41 26 43 Sliema 25 10 4 11 31 32 34 Tarxien 25 7 8 10 31 32 29 St. Andrews 26 6 10 10 29 37 28 Hamrun 26 8 4 14 37 50 28 Gzira 26 8 4 14 31 40 28 Mosta 26 4 4 18 18 59 16 Pembroke 26 3 5 18 22 63 14
After Romao’s winner Valletta had some other good efforts through Malano and Pani, but the best chance came on 35 minutes when Montebello served Steve Borg who missed the upright by a whisker.
In the second half Valletta goalkeeper Bartkus showed his clas keeping his goal intact saving off Kaljevic with his extended foot, and off Da Silva Sousa on 68 minutes.
In the last quarter of the match Valletta regained their lost composure as Balzan’s firing power dried out.
Valletta had a couple of good counter breaks and in stoppage time Janjusevic made a great save to deny Aguirre from another Valletta goal.
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