Malta round-up: Birkirkara boosted

Birkirkara FC returned to winning form in the Maltese Premier League by beating Floriana FC on Saturday.

Calascione gets two
The 3-1 win came despite Floriana taking an early lead through evergreen striker Charles Sciberras, who put his side ahead in the 13th minute with a low shot from outside the area.  In-form striker Hubert Suda drew level for Birkirkara four minutes later.  Matthew Calascione put his side ahead with a well-taken goal well into added time.  Calascione was again on target with another strike in the second half to seal the issue for the title challengers.

Azzopardi taking charge
It was a satisfying win for caretaker coach Mario Borg. As from Monday, new young coach Stephen Azzopardi will officially take over the reigns.

Looking good
In the first game at the National Stadium, Hamrun Spartans FC’s earned a 2-1 win over Pietà Hotspurs FC. It was the fifth consecutive positive result for Hamrun,  who are looking good to make it to the final championship pool phase. Sandro Gambin put them in front after 36 minutes. Then, 19 minutes into the second half Ivan Woods drew level for Pietà, but Argentinian Cesar Paiber restored Hamrun’s lead with a well-taken penalty after 68 minutes.