Malta round-up: Birkirkara close the gap

Birkirkara FC closed the gap on Maltese Premier League leaders Sliema Wanderers FC to a single point thanks to an emphatic 3-1 win at champions Hibernians FC.

Penalty opener
Birkirkara took full advantage of their game in hand on the leaders, and opened the scoring after Hibernians’ new signing Cesar Paiber was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area after 27 minutes. Romanian defender Lucian Dronca gave Maltese international goalkeeper Mario Muscat no chance from the spot.

Decisive third
The home side fought back strongly, and equalised five minutes into the second half when Ndubisi Chuckunyere headed Adrian Ciantar’s corner into the net. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Michael Galea converted Chucks Nwoko’s pass for his 15th goal of the season to restore Birkirkara’s lead six minutes later. The home side then lost Miguel Mifsud to a red card and Birkirkara sealed the win in the final minutes through substitute Alan Tabone.

Crucial game
The top two sides meet next Saturday in a match which will have a significant bearing on the destination of this season’s title.

Comfortable win
Valletta FC consolidated their position in third with a 4-0 win against Marsaxlokk FC inspired by Yugoslavian striker Daniel Bogdanovic. The 22-year-old created his side’s first goal, setting up Ivan Zammit in the 29th minute, before winning a penalty three minutes later after a foul by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Reggie Cini. Zammit converted the kick for his second of the game.

Championship group
Two goals in quick succession from Nigerian strike Chris Oretan midway through the second half sealed Valletta’s win. The league splits into championship and relegation groups after the next round of matches, and Marsaxlokk must win to guarantee their place in the top six.

Important win
Meanwhile, Pietà Hotspurs FC enhanced their claim for a place in the top group thanks to a 3-2 win against Hamrun Spartans FC. The game began badly for Pietà, as Gaetan Spiteri gave Hamrun the lead after only three minutes, but Ivan Woods equalised from the penalty spot seven minutes into the second period. Stefan Sultana restored Hamrun’s advantage almost immediately but two goals in the closing stages from Jamie Pace and Woods sealed a dramatic fightback by Pietà.

Match postponed
The game between Mosta FC and Marsa FC was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.