Malta round-up: Maltese pace-setters draw

Honours were shared as Malta's top two met on Saturday, while Valletta FC were emphatic winners.

Honours shared
Michael Galea’s 12th goal of the season put Birkirkara FC ahead of Hibernians FC on 39 minutes but the second-placed side persevered and Essien Mbong came to the rescue with a well-executed goal three minutes after the restart. The second half produced no goals, despite endless efforts from both sides but a 1-1 draw was a just result.

Camenzuli in impressive form
Skipper Antoine Zahra was back in the Birkirkara side after a lengthy absence through injury. Another notable performance came from William Camenzuli who is turning out to be one of the most promising assets in the Maltese Premier Division. Now under the scrutiny of national team coach Sigi Held, Camenzuli’ s tireless style of play was there again for all to see.

Valletta rampant
Valletta kept up with the leaders with a 5-1 win over Naxxar Lions FC. Valletta were ahead as early as the second minute of the game when David Carabott finished off a splendid move from the champions. Chris Oretan scored the second for  13th goal of the season but Chimezie Nwoke scored a spectacular goal to put Naxxar back into the game.

Laferla wraps up
However, Valletta were in fine form and went on to score through a 39th-minute penalty converted by Czech Kamil Dvorak after Chris Laferla had been brought down in the penalty area, Nigerian Maczerob Okoro added another in the 71st minute and Laferla scored again just before the final whistle.