Malta round-up: Sliema stay clear

Key absentees
Valletta, who were missing injured international striker Gilbert Agius and suspended Bulgarian midfield player Milen Penchev, fell behind to Veselji's header from a Danilo Doncic cross after 14 minutes.

Valletta respond
The visitors fought back and Darren Debono forced a fine save from Murphy Akanji in the Sliema goal before they drew level three minutes into the second half, as Nigerian Chris Oretan converted an Ivan Zammit cross. However, Sliema were back in front eight minutes later as Doncic and Veselji combined again, with the latter driving the ball past Sean Sullivan for the winning goal.

Galea scores again
Birkirkara, who have a game in hand on leaders Sliema, took advantage of Valletta's defeat as they overcame Mosta FC 2-0. Michael Galea opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time with his eleventh goal of the season, lobbing the ball into the net from a George Mallia pass. Birkirkara made the game safe in the final minute, as Ryan Newell was dismissed for handling Galea's goal-bound shot and Romanian defender Lucian Dronca converted the resulting penalty.

Late drama
Elsewhere, champions Hibernians FC needed a late winner from Chuckinyere Ndubisi to edge past Hamrun Spartans FC 3-2, and a late equaliser from Claude Mattocks salvaged a 1-1 draw for Floriana FC at Pietà Hotspurs FC, who had taken the lead through Jamie Pace.