City mentor Doncic hopeful of team’s qualification to third round

Valletta mentor Danilo Doncic is hopeful that his team can advance to the third round of the competition, especially after the 1-1 draw in Mostar last week.

Doncic said that was a very good positive result which has provided the squad with a lot of confidence and enthusiasm to face today’s second leg at the Centenary Stadium (Kick-off 6pm).

Doncic said yesterday: “We are aware that the tie is only at the half way stage but the away goal gives us an advantage which we hope to build upon in the knowledge that even a goalless draw will enable us to advance into the next round.”

The City boss added that he was very satisfied with the team’s three performances in Europe so far.

“We only had the chance to play two friendly matches before we started playing competitively. However, now I can say that we possess a strong side with a very good defence. In fact, this home match will give us the opportunity to show our strength at the back for we will be doing our utmost to avoid conceding a goal or more as that will mean our elimination,” he said.

Doncic said he was well aware that his boys could play good football as was the case in most league matches last season. “But then we had a scoring problem, winning matches with slender 10 and 2-1 leads. But with Fontanella and Piciollo up front aided by Alba and Malano, we should be able to improve in attack.”

Doncic said he believes they have done their homework well.

“We know the Bosnian champions’ weaknesses and will try to take advantage, but let us not ignore the fact that the Bosnians must have also done their homework.

“However, the 1-1 draw away from home gives us a chance in front of our own vociferous supporters. But we also need the element of luck. Zrinjski are a stronger side than Kukesi but we are now a more mature side. I have a team with several local and foreign experienced players. All players are at my disposal,” he said.

Doncic believes that Valletta can prove today that the club is no longer to be considered a small one. “The country is, but playing every year in Europe has given Valletta FC a better image than before,” he said.

Balzan in Bratislava to defend slender lead

Balzan will be playing their second leg of their second round tie against Slovan Bratislava this evening (kick off 7.30pm) in Slovakia.

The locals will be defending a slender 2-1 lead which they built after last week’s first leg in Malta.

Coach Marco Micovic can field his best formation for this evening’s clash and he hopes his side will be able to defend well as they did in Malta and surprise their opponents with fast counter breaks.

Slovan Bratislava are, of course, the favourites. They need only a 1-0 win to progress to the next round on the way goals rule.