Malta round-up: Valletta set on second

Valletta FC have moved to within striking distance of the runners-up spot in Malta after an excellent 2-0 win against newly crowned champions Sliema Wanderers FC.

Close finish
Goals from Rumen Galabov in the 47th minute and Jonathan Bondin nine minutes from the final whistle ensured a second straight defeat for Sliema. Valletta are now two points behind second-placed Birkirkara FC with just one round of matches left in the championship pool.

Penalty opener
Valletta take on Hibernians FC on Saturday, while Birkirkara FC will come face to face with Sliema on the last day of the season. Dennis Fenech's side held the upper hand for most of the match, and it was no surprise when the Citizens took the lead from the penalty spot after Sliema captain Noel Turner fouled Chris Oretan. Galabov slotted the ball past Jason Cordina, guarding the Sliema goal in the absence of the injured Murphy Akanji.

Agius back
The Wanderers, who were without several key players, were no match for Valletta who were given a further lift in the 67th minute. Maltese international Gilbert Agius made his long-awaited return from injury, replacing Keith Fenech. Agius soon created havoc in the Sliema rearguard with a couple of clever runs but the last word was to go to youngster Bondin, who converted after Galabov's powerful drive rebounded off the crossbar.