Malta round-up: Agius the hero for Valletta

Valletta FC striker Gilbert Agius returned to Maltese football with a bang on Sunday, as he scored the all-important goal in his side’s 2-1 away win against title challengers Sliema Wanderers FC.

Fine solo goal
Agius, who was making his comeback for the champions after an unsuccessful loan spell with Italian Serie C1 side Pisa Calcio, raced clear and scored a fine solo goal after 73 minutes to seal a vital three points and move his side into fourth place in the Maltese Premier League table.

Pole position
Nigerian Maczerob Okoro scored his first goal for Valletta just after half-time to put the visitors ahead, before top marksman Danilo Doncic scored his 22nd goal of the season for Sliema to level the scores on 71 minutes. Birkirkara FC are in pole position, while Hibernians FC are second, one point ahead of the Sliema.

Floriana score five
In Sunday’s other game, Floriana FC beat fellow strugglers Pietà Hotspurs FC 5-1 at the National Stadium. Floriana immediately took command of the match and raced into a three-goal lead by the end of the first half. Brazilian Edoardo do Nascimento opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a low shot, before Mark Galea made it two with a drive from outside the area.

Galea double
Galea netted his second just before half-time with another fine effort and Charles Sciberras added a fourth seven minutes after the restart.  Edoardo do Nascimento completed the rout two minutes later when he scored his second of the night and Malcolm Licari could only score a consolation goal nine minutes from time. Floriana remain in seventh position, just one point behind Hamrun Spartans FC.