Gzira United remain unbeaten but fail to make ground on top place.

Valletta 0 Gzira United 0

22nd October 2022, Ta’ Qali National Stadium

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Gzira United were held to a draw in today’s match against Valletta, maintaining their unbeaten run of 10 matches in the League from the previous season but at the same failing to make ground for the conquest of top spot in the league. Gzira remain in second place depending on the outcome of Birkirkara’s game in hand.

Today’s match seemed destined for a draw from the initial stages with both defenses dominating with a lot of play concentrated in midfield. Clear cut chances were few for both sides. Both sides were more focused on not risking losing the match and at least earning a point, rather than making a great effort in taking all three points.

The match started with Valletta taking a bit more initiative, with Bevis having two attempts at goal, one on target. Gzira responded with Dias, crossing from the right, with Gzira’s forwards failing to connect with the final touch.

In the 24th minute, Gzira’s Diaz had his shot cleared in front of the goal, while Gzira’s Kolega cross-shot was punched to safety by Valletta’s goalkeeper Guarnone.

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Despite Gzira’s territorial possession in the second half and a constant pressure on Valletta’s defense, Valletta managed to hold out.

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The rest of the half did not produce any further goal mouth action.

The second half started with a number of consecutive corners taken by Gzira’s Pisani which created a bit of panic in Valletta’s penalty area.

In the 60th minute Valletta’s Paiber central shot was saved by Gzira’s goalkeeper Darijan. Gzira responded with a number of attempts on Floriana’s goal, the most significant being those from Kolega on the 76’ minutes and one from Correa a minute later, both shots being deviated to a corner. In the 84’ minute a freekick by Gzira’s Bohrer was deviated to a corner by Valletta’s solid wall of defenders and a counterattack by Valletta’s Dimech in the 88th minute saw Gzira’s keeper Darijan blocking the low shot from the Valletta player at the last moment.

Despite Gzira’s territorial possession in the second half and a constant pressure on Valletta’s defense, Valletta managed to hold out.

After an extra 5 minutes of additional time and with the referee’s final whistle, both teams seemed content with the draw. Valletta halted their negative run of four consecutive defeats, while Gzira although missing out on a fifth consecutive win, at least remained unbeaten this season. Gzira’s focus now turns to next week’s top clash against Premier League leaders Hamrun Spartans.

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PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Toni Kolega

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Claude Cuschieri

Club Editor