Day 17 Valletta 2 Mqabba 1 Published on: 15-01-2012

Valletta struggled much more than expected as they defeated Mqabba 2-1 to move once again six points ahead of Hibernians.

Mqabba gave a very good account of themselves and although the leaders held the initiative throughout the ninety minutes, they could consider themselves unlucky to leave the Hibs Stadium empty-handed.

The Citizens were in full strength with no players injured or suspended. On the other hand, Claudio Calleja was missing for Clive Mizzi’s side as he was serving a one-match ban.

Mqabba forged ahead on the 9th minute when off a cross by David Azzopardi, John Nwoba headed home past Hogg.

Valletta replied with a cross by William Barbosa on 27 minutes from which Michael Mifsud’s close-range effort was blocked by goalkeeper Kris Calleja. On 41 minutes, Mifsud served Jamie Pace on the left but the latter’s powerful shot ended wide. One minute in added time, a shot by Edmond Agius from outside the area scraped past the post.

The Citizens equalised eleven minutes in the second half when substitute Alfred Effiong concluded a good run on the right with a low shot which was blocked by goalkeeper Kris Calleja and off the rebound, Michael Mifsud managed to place the ball at the back of the net.

The Reds appealed for a penalty on 62 minutes after substitute Bojan Mamic was sandwiched by Hogg and Caruana and ended on the ground but the referee waved play on. A long-distance shot by Roderick Briffa was neutralised by Calleja eight minutes later. A cross shot from the right by Gilbert Agius was then saved by Calleja on 71 minutes.

Kris Calleja performed a great save at point blank on Alfred Effiong following a cross by Gilbert Agius from the right on the 72nd minute. Eight minutes later, a close-range effort by Mifsud was blocked by the Mqabba custodian.

Two minutes from time, Valletta notched the winner when Steve Borg took the ball from a short clearance and with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, he beat goalkeeper Kris Calleja.

In added time, in a counter-attack for Valletta, Alfred Effiong advanced on the right, serving Michael Mifsud who controlled the ball but hit the upright.

Kris Calleja was voted BOV Player of the Match.

Source: maltafootball.com

VALLETTA -  A. Hogg, R. Briffa, E. Agius (G. Agius), J. Pace (D. Falzon), D. Dos Santos, J. Caruana, I. Azzopardi, O. Zongo (A. Effiong), S. Borg, W. Barbosa, M. Mifsud.

MQABBA  -  K. Calleja, J. Briffa, M. Potezica, B. Timotic, D. Azzopardi (S. Magro), T. Mazitelli, M. Bonnici, P. Grima, R. Sammut, J. Nwoba (B. Mamic) (M. Briffa), C. Micallef

BOV Premier League
Date: 15-01-12     Time: 16:00    Venue: Hibs Ground

Scorers: 9' J. Nwoba, 56' M. Mifsud, 88' S. Borg

Yellow Cards:  J. Caruana (V), P. Grima (M)

Man of Match: Kris Calleja (M)

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri