Grima to miss Valletta's crucial tie against Birkirkara

Valletta's hopes of finishing the Premier League campaign in second place suffered a blow yesterday when the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner handed a one-match ban to defender Massimo Grima.

Grima, an inspirational figure for Valletta during his season-long loan, has been suspended after collecting his fourth booking during Monday's goalless draw against Sliema Wanderers. He will now miss the Citizens' final match of the season, a crucial tie with rivals Birkirkara on Saturday evening.

Valletta are currently third in the standings on 34 points, one beneath Birkirkara. A victory for them is a must on Saturday if they are to ensure a place in one of UEFA's club competitions next season.

Apart from Grima, three other Premier League players were given a one-match suspension yesterday.

Orosco Anonam will have to sit out Sliema's title-celebration-match against Hibernians on Sunday after incurring his fourth booking in the stalemate against Valletta.

Msida players Josef Mifsud and Manuel Boni will not be involved in their team's final Premier League assignment against St Patrick on Saturday after both were shown their fourth yellow card in Friday's 1-1 draw with Lija Athletic. The defensive duo will be eligible to take part in the FA Trophy semi-final against Marsaxlokk on May 14.