Malta round-up: Birkirkara let in Sliema

Birkirkara FC's goalless draw against Pietà Hotspurs FC allowed Sliema Wanderers FC to regain their lead at the top of the Maltese Premier League by beating Hibernians FC 3-0 on Saturday.

Jinx broken
Sliema are now two points clear in the championship pool after turning history on its head, overcoming Hibernians for the first time in five games thanks to three second-half goals from Danilo Doncic, Orosco Anoman and Kevin Sammut.

Saviour Darmanin
Birkirkara could have retained top spot had Lucien Dronca converted an 87th-minute penalty - but Pietà goalkeeper Saviour
Darmanin dived to his right to deny the Romanian and ensure the game remained 0-0.

Point rescued
Sunday's championship pool game also finished honours even as ten-man Valletta FC rescued a point against Marsaxlokk FC with an 81st-minute penalty - their second of the game after Milan Penchev's 35th-minute miss.

Barbara opener
Marsaxlokk's Etienne Barbara had broken the deadlock in the 61st minute and once David Carabott was sent off, Valletta seemed to be faced with an uphill battle. But when Richard Buhagiar fouled Chris Oretan in the area, Daniel Theuma duly stroked in the spot-kick.

Goalless draw
In the day's other game, Marsa FC drew 0-0 with Floriana FC - a result which keeps them both clear of danger at the top of the relegation group.