Superior Valletta thrive on second-half blitz

Pietà Hotspurs 0
Valletta 5

An infinitely superior Valletta outfit translated their ascendancy into goals after ends were changed to completely demolish a demoralised Pieta Hotspurs in yesterday's match.

Little tangible was at stake, except for a possible higher placing for both teams and an attendant berth in Europe.

Such was the lack of interest in this match that only a handful of spectators turned up at Ta' Qali. A goalless opening half which was largely bereft of goalmouth action, turned into a blitz in the second period as the team piloted by Dennis Fenech found their scoring boots to crack in a nap hand of goals.

The result means that Pieta's aspirations for third place have now been practically extinguished and after being eliminated from the FA Trophy competition their remaining commitments this season are of academic interest.

Valletta, whose season failed to flourish due to number of reasons, apart from defections, suspensions and injuries, may see a glimmer of hope in the number of new faces they are introducing.

Yesterday their scoring hero was Rumen Galabov, with Milen Penchev's contribution earning him the man-of-the-match award. Nevertheless, it was a collective effort which won them the day.

Having the Jamie Pace piston missing, the Hotspurs re-introduced the apparently rehabilitated front-runner Malcolm Licari to operate alongside Ivan Woods. This forced Ray Farrugia to pull down Italian Giacomo Paniccia to a slightly deeper role than of late. Jean Paul Vella stood in as stopper for Lee Lombardi. Sharlon Pace and Mauro Di Lello were also missing for Pietà.

For the Lilywhites Beppe Pace was assigned the left flank defensive duties in lieu of the absent Rene Forace. Karl Bonnici was again detailed to survey the midfield area supported by Keith Fenech and Penchev, who operated slightly behind the striking duo of Chris Oretan and Galabov. Edward Azzopardi replaced the still injured Daniel Theuma.

Except for a Pace 25-metre grounder, stopped by Darmanin, and a foray by the sharp Obidimalor on the right, aborted by Darren Debono's timely tackle, play in the initial stages was restricted to midfield exchanges despite Valletta's propensity to move forward more adventurously.

City's regrouping in midfield helped them retain an edge in possession and it was again Pace who was denied by Darmanin's foot following a low cross on a flag-kick by Bonnici.

The next response from the Hotspurs could have also produced a goal, but Licari skied the cross from Obidimalor. Galabov was thwarted by the diving Darmanin when connecting to a Penchev cross from the left.

With half-time beckoning, Pietà managed to withstand their opponents' pressure, which, however became less intense. Some more fire was expected in the second period. True, it was difficult to spark off this element, given the almost bare stands.

That came in favour of Valletta, barely three minutes into the restart.

Penchev was set free well inside the box but was upended by Aquilina. Penalty said the referee who then red-carded Anatole Debono seemingly for over-zealous dissent. In any case, Galabov was in no mood for mercy and duly despatched the ball beyond the reach of Darmanin.

The Hotspurs were now at the deep end of the pool what with their numerical deficit and Valletta's better collective play. Carabott made space for himself but hit high. Then he set up a cross for three colleagues, but Galabov hit tamely.

Nevertheless, Pietà tried vainly to force a reaction but were caught napping soon after the hour mark. A rapid move down the mid-left had Galabov freeing himself of his immediate shadower before ramming home.

The City team now sensed they had a comfortable buffer and they kept pondering forward. Edward Azzopardi hit the third goal with 19 minutes to go when he rocketed into the net off a loose ball after Penchev had hit the woodwork.

Two more goals arrived within a minute as the Hotspurs' defence went crumbling. The fourth conversion came from Bonnici while Galabov sealed his hat-trick with a scorcher.

The Valletta players were complete masters and, needless to say, they ended the day on a high.

Pietà: S. Darmanin, P. Aquilina, J.P. Vella (C. Sammut), I. Woods, S. Cappitta (J.P. Scerri), M. Licari, G. Paniccia (A. Spiteri), K. Mamo, S. Ciscaldi, A. Debono, V. Obidimalor.

Valletta: S. Sullivan, R. Galabov, D. Carabott, D. Debono, N. Saliba, E. Azzopardi, M. Penchev (Ismael Zammit), C. Oretan, K. Fenech (D. Cachia), K. Bonnici, B. Pace.

Referee: Adrian Casha.

Scorers: Galabov 49 pen., 63, 74; Azzopardi 71, Bonnici 75.

Red Card: Debono (Pieta) 48.

Player Of The Match: Milen Penchev (Valletta).