Sliema Wanderers relegated after 37 years
Sliema Wanderers have been relegated to the Challenge League after 37 years in the top flight. One of the most successful teams in local football were last relegated in season 1983/84 when in that year it was Hamrun Spartans who won the league championship.
This match provided Valletta with the opportunity to try and consolidate their place at the helm of the Play Out table and thus steer away from the red zone.
The Lillywhites went into this match unbeaten in four matches following wins against Sliema and Sirens and two draws against Mosta and Birkirkara. Not the same can be said about Sliema who after a tough period returned to winning ways defeating Mosta by a solitary goal.
In the first round though Sliema defeated Valletta the result was overturned by the MFA Protests Board. Valletta went on the win the second round clash 1-0.
After 10 minutes a corner for Valletta by Curjuric who played the ball towards Pena Beltre with his cross finding Promise only for his header to just miss out. Three minutes later Curjuric found Muscat but the latters shot was turned onto a corner by Al Tumi.
Valletta forged ahead on 14 minutes when it was Fontanella who received a through pass and after making his way past Al Tumi placed the ball in the net.
Valletta kept on dictating matters but never threatened the opposing rearguard with Sliema failing to mount a reaction.
The second half started with Valletta on the offensive and just past the hour Curjuric found Fontanella but his fierce shot ended just wide.
Eighteen minutes from the end of the match Valletta once again on the attack when a Fontanella cross shot was blocked by the Sliema defence.
With Valletta increasing their lead a minute later. Promise supplied the cross with Kevin Tulimieri slotting the ball home from close range.
But Sliema reacted and immediately reduced the arrears when off a free kick from the left flank Oscar Linton popped in and placed the ball in the net.
But Sliema joy and hopes were short lived since Valletta sealed the issue in the 82nd minute when off a Curjuric corner Eslit Sala converted from close range.