Jefferson double sinks Valletta

VALLETTA       1

Fontanella 69

GŻIRA UNITED             3

Samb 39

Jefferson 59, 68

Gżira United sent a huge statement of intent about their title ambitions after they brushed aside   Valletta at the National Stadium yesterday.

Facing the Malta champions of the last two seasons, Gżira looked unfazed as they followed to perfection Giovanni Tedesco’s game plan to clinch an impressive victory that further cements their status as one of the leading challengers for this year’s title.

Valletta may have saw more off the ball for much of the opening hour but the Citizens struggled to make any inroads in solid Gżira rearguard.

On the other hand, the Maroons made the best from the speed and power of their forwards who each time they ventured forward they put the Citizens on the ropes with Amadou Samb giving them the lead with his first goal since returning from a serious injury before Jefferson helped himself to a well-taken brace to lift his team to third place in the standings on 10 points, one adrift of joint-leaders Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana.

Valletta coach Darren Abdilla rejuvenated his starting XI as defender Jonathan Caruana, midfielder Rowen Muscat and striker Matteo Piciollo...