Birkirkara wrap up Maltese crown

Birkirkara FC have won their third Maltese Premier League title after a 1-0 defeat of Tarxien Rainbows FC at the National Stadium gave them an unassailable four-point lead over Valletta FC.

Valletta had moved to within a point of the summit with a 2-1 win against Qormi FC on Thursday, but Birkirkara responded with a triumph of their own 24 hours later to pull clear once more. Shaun Bajada scored Birkirkara's winner in the 39th minute in what was the club's fifth successive victory and 11th game without defeat. The result saves Paul Zammit's side a title decider on the last day of the season against Valletta.

Zammit, who joined Birkirkara from Valletta before the start of the campaign, told UEFA.com: "Birkirkara have believed in me from day one and for this I thank everyone linked with this great club. The ingredients of this success have to be attributed to my players, who are very professional and have maintained a positive attitude during a difficult season."