Late goal gives Valletta the points

VALLETTA 2

Naft 19, 81

ST. ANDREWS FC 1

Pena Beltre 33,

St. Andrews were undone by late goal by returning Abdelkarim Nafti who ensured that Valletta stayed at the top after the first round of the second phase.

Federico Falcone and Jhonnattann were the front-runners in an attacking line supported by the incursions of the free-running Rafael Ledesma, operating slightly behind strikers and the grafting of Abdelkarim Nafti.

The early pace did not go beyond a trot as the Premier League leader started applying the pressure. After two efforts from Falcone and Nafti had gone high, Valletta drew dividends after 19 minutes. Ledesma hit a rasping cross-cum-shot which was pushed by St Andrews goalkeeper Jake Galea into the direction of Falcone. The Argentine striker laid the ball to Naftibefore the nimble midfielder prodded the ball into the net.

Still despite Valletta’s lead, the contest could not quite spark off any excitement. The far was largely haphazard and as a consequence goalmouth action was as rare as rain in these days.

Suddenly, however, St Andrews equalised. A long ball from right flank started the move which gave the Saints their equaliser, as Borg, backtracking quickly to...