LIJA ATHLETIC 1
Beu 90
VALLETTA 3
Prosa 34, Alba 65, 73
Valletta reduced the gap to leaders Balzan to just one point after a 3-1 win against Lija Athletic.
Victory was expected yesterday against a team almost condemned to a quick return to Division One next season.
The opening goal arrived after 34 minutes when Matteo Piciollo’s perfect service to the Estonian striker that the latter sliding past the advancing Luke Bonnici.
Valletta doubled their lead in the 65th minute. A square ball towards Miguel Alba by Saleh had the Spanish striker prodding past Bonnici from close range.
The same player put the issue beyond doubt when he scored a goal out of nothing as he typically pounced on a loose and whacked in a low shot after turning round two defenders.
At the death, Erjon Beu arrowed a free-kick over the defensive wall to beat Valletta goalkeeper Henry Bonello but victory over Lija had long been sealed.
BOV Player of the match Matteo Piciollo (Valletta)