Terrence Scerri scored twice on his Valletta debut as the Citizens beat rivals Birkirkara 3-1 in the opening match of the 2009/10 BOV Premier League this evening.
Valletta forged ahead after 26 minutes. Picking a pass from Jordi Cruyff, Doding Priso sped clear on the right and crossed towards the far post where Dutch forward Geert den Ouden headed home.
The Citizens had been the better side until then but Birkirkara improved as the first half progressed.
The Stripes equalised eight minutes from half-time. Captain Michael Galea produced a fine cross from the right and Sylvano Comvalius, signed from Hamrun Spartans in the close season, headed past Andrew Hogg.
Valletta regained the lead 12 minutes into the second half, Scerri firing home after Ron Hartvig miscued his clearance from Steve Bezzina, a second-half substitute.
Having marked his debut with a goal, Scerri was on target again midway into the second half, beating Jorge Mora with a powerful close-range shot.