Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1107757
29 A goal scored by Miguel Angel Alba was enough for Valletta as they registered a narrow 1-0 win over Tarxien that puts them a step closer towards winning the BOV Premier League. Conscious that they are close on winning their second suc- cessive Premier League, Val- letta started the match eager to secure the three points in order to remain on the forefront. Valletta made their intentions clear from the start and went close after just 2 minutes. Kyr- ian Nwoko fired a shot from distance that ended up slightly high. The Citizens threatened again on the 9th minute. Following a defensive mistake, Mario Fon- tanella's effort was blocked by Maverick Buhagiar. Fontanella managed to score for Valletta on the 18th min- ute; however, the assistant referee judged him to be in an offside position and raised his flag. On the 29th minute Valletta broke the deadlock as Miguel Angel Alba unleashed a pow- erful shot from distance that went past Buhagiar. Following this goal, Valletta kept on dominating, but were unable to threaten Tarxien again and the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Valletta. The tempo of the match slowed down drastically dur- ing the second half. Valletta remained in control; however, they didn't create many chanc- es on goal. In fact, supporters had to wait till the 70th minute to witness Valletta's only chance on goal during the second half. Santi- ago Malano played Fontanella through on goal, but the Ital- ian saw his final effort being blocked by Buhagiar. Tarxien had a great chance to equalise during the additional time. Following a corner, Dan- iel Zerafa's effort from close range was blocked by Henry Bonello. Despite this, Valletta did what they had to do as they left the pitch with a 1-0 victory that puts them on the brink of an- other title. Valletta starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caru- ana, Ryan Camilleri, Santiago Malano, Kyrian Nwoko, Jean Borg (Antonio Monticelli-85), Enmy Pena Beltre, Joseph Zer- afa (Bogdan Gavrila-69), Row- en Muscat, Miguel Angel Alba, Mario Fontanella (Nicholas Pulis- 89) Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Maverick Buhagiar, Marco Botta, Daniel Zerafa, Matthew Spiteri, Gabriel Aqui- lina, Luke Grech, Destin Mam- bouana, Anderson De Barros, Miguel Ciantar, Ricardo Silva Faria (Darren Falzon-85), Al- exander Nilsson (Andrew Ag- ius- 75) Referee: Stefan Pace Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, William Debattista Fourth Official: Philip Far- rugia BOV Player of the Match: Miguel Angel Alba (Valletta) maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 APRIL 2019 SPORTS FOOTBALL Valletta Tarxien Rainbows 1 0 Valletta edge closer to title