Sliema see off 10-man Valletta

Valletta - 1, Sliema - 3

Sliema Wanderers started 2010 on an uplifting note after beating title favourites Valletta 3-1 this evening for their first victory in three matches.

Their win materialised with two late goals from striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza after Valletta, who played for more than 30 minutes with 10 men after the sending-off of captain Gilbert Agius, had equalised through Doding Priso.

Valletta had had the better chances in the first half.

Gilbert Agius produced a strong first-time shot that sailed just wide of the near post.

Sliema threatened to take the lead against the run of play when Alex Muscat found Mark Scerri in the Valletta box but the latter’s shot was off target. Muscat then had a weak shot saved by Andrew Hogg.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half, Doding Priso, Valletta’s Cameroonian winger, missed two golden chances to put his team ahead. Priso blasted high after receiving from Declan O’Brien and, seconds later, his miscued shot from an angled position was deflected away for a corner.

Sliema opened the scorinh three minutes into the second half courtesy of Ivan Woods who flicked home from close range after Luke Dimech had failed to deal with Muscat’s cross from the left.

Valletta’s task became steeper when captain Gilbert Agius was red-carded for a late tackle on Mifsud Triganza. Pedrinho’s free-kick came off the crossbar but, midway through the second Valletta equalised.

Having stormed clear of the Sliema defence, Priso’s first attempt was blocked but the City winger made no mistake from the rebound.

After Simon Agius, the Sliema goalkeeper had beaten away Briffa’s drive, the Blues restored their lead eight minutes from time. Running on to Woods’ through-ball, Mifsud Triganza brushed aside Dimech’s tackle, dribbled Hogg and fired home.

Mifsud Triganza sealed Sliema’s win with a close-range finish.