Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/764316
54 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2016 FOOTBALL Valletta and Floriana share the spoils in a goalless draw Valletta ..........................0 Floriana ..........................0 WARREN ZAMMIT FLORIANA had a golden opportu- nity to go ahead on the 10th min- ute. Following a corner, a Valletta defender was judged to have han- dled the ball inside the penalty area and the referee pointed towards the spot. HOWEVER, from the 11 metres mark, Nicolas Chiesa's effort was parried by Dzjugas Barktus. Valletta were close to open the score on the 17th minute. Jhonn- attann Benites Da Conceicao went through on goal, but saw his effort going inches wide of the post. A minute later, Steve Pisani of Floriana hit a shot from a distance that however sailed high. Llywelyn Cremona had a good opportunity on the 22nd minute. The young Valletta midfielder fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area that went slightly over. On the 38th minute, Jhonnattann of Valletta had another chance on goal. From a free kick, the Brazilian hit a strong shot that was saved by Justin Haber. Seven minutes into the second half, Valletta had another oppor- tunity on goal when Cremona saw space and hit a shot that was neu- tralised by Haber. Three minutes later, Vella of Flo- riana saw his shot from a free kick ending up high. Barktus was on the alert to deny the greens once more on the 82nd minute. From Steve Pisani's corner, Igna- cio Varela sent a volley from close range that was well saved by the Lithuanian goalkeeper. One minute from time, Valletta's midfielder Valdo Congaves Alihno attempted his luck from a free kick, but his shot sailed high of the post. Valletta starting line-up: Dzjugas Barktus, Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Michael Mifsud, Valdo Congaves Alihno, Luke Montebello, Llywelyn Cremo- na Claudio Pani, Leandro Aguirre, Jhonnattann Benites Da Conceicao. Floriana starting line-up: Justin Haber, Enzo Ruiz, Steve Pisani, Clyde Borg, Ignacio Varela, Maur- izio Vella, Jurgen Pisani, Alex Cini, Nicolas Chiesa, Mario Fontanella, Ryan Camenzuli. Referee: Alan Mario Sant Assistant referees: Duncan Sul- tana, Paul Apap Fourth official: Matthew Degabri- ele BOV player of the match: Dzjugas Barktus (Valletta) PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG Jhonnattann Benites Da Conceicao of Valletta in action during their match against rivals floriana