Birkirkara send title statement, Floriana up to second!
Birkirkara sent a real statement of intent on their title ambitions in MatchDay Seven when they overcame the challenge of rivals Sliema Wanderers to open a four-point lead at the top of the 360 Sports Malta Premier.
Floriana moved up to second in the standings when they outmuscled Mosta while Hibernians recorded a vital 2-0 win over champions Ħamrun Spartans to move up to third in the standings.
Here is a roundup of all the action from SportsDesk.
Birkirkara FC (1 – 0) Sliema Wanderers
The clash between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers was the top fixture of the midweek programme and as expected turned out into a real tactical battle.
However, Birkirkara looked the more likelier side to find the breakthrough and it duly arrived early in the second half when Alessandro Coppola bundled home the winner.
Sliema, who lost midfielder Steve Pisani after only seven minutes, tried to fight back but lacked the necessary attacking guile to avoid their first defeat of the season.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (0 – 2) Hibernians FC
Jurgen Degabriele was the toast of Hibernians as the Malta striker grabbed a well-taken brace to help his team overcome Ħamrun Spartans.
The Spartans dominated much of the first half but it was the Paolites who struck with a fine strike from Degabriele.
The nippy forward went on to strike the killer blow early in the second half when he profited from a defensive lapse by the Spartans to sneak home the second goal.
Mosta FC (0 – 2) Floriana FC
Floriana overcame a sluggish first-half performance to beat Mosta 2-0 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
The Greens struggled to impose their game for much of the first half, but a tactical adjustment did the trick after the break as Kemar Reid put them ahead early on the restart before Franklin Sasere wrapped up the points from a penalty just before the final whistle.
Balzan FC (2 – 1) Gżira United FC
Balzan secured their second win of the season when they overcame Gżira United 2-1.
Henri Stanic put Balzan ahead in the first half and Isaac Westendorf made it 2-0 after the break.
Gabriel Mentz pulled one back late on but was little too late for the Maroons to avoid defeat.
Żabbar St. Patrick FC (1 – 3) Marsaxlokk FC
Marsaxlokk made it two wins out of two under the tutelage of coach Enzo Potenza as they beat Żabbar St Patrick 3-1.
It was the Saints who took the lead through Diego Tavares but gradually Marsaxlokk came into the picture and after Quintogo pulled them level, Leandro Aguirre put them ahead with a fine strike from a free-kick.
Duane Bonnici sealed the points with a third goal late on.
Naxxar Lions FC (0 – 0) Melita FC
Melita and Naxxar Lions cancelled each other in a goalless draw.
The result didn’t aide either side who remain in the bottom part of the standings.
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