Birkirkara suffered another setback in their quest to finish top of the Opening Round of the 360 Sports Malta Premier after they were upset by champions Ħamrun Spartans to see their gap at the top trimmed to two points by the in-form Floriana.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 12 by SportsDesk.
Birkirkara FC (0 – 2) Ħamrun Spartans FC
Injury-hit Ħamrun Spartans put on their best-showing of the season when they stunned leaders Birkirkara 2-0.
The Spartans despite missing some key players rose for the occasion and young forward Shaisen Attard put them ahead before Raphael Lopes Silva added second early in the second half to see his team move above Mosta in fifth place.
Floriana FC (1 – 0) Mosta FC
Floriana secured a dramatic victory over Mosta to bridge the gap over leaders Birkirkara.
Jake Grech was Floriana’s hero as the former Malta midfielder scored the winner in stoppage time to hand his team three priceless points.
However, the match could have had a different ending had Mosta convert a late penalty but Souleymane Kone blasted his effort over.
Sliema Wanderers FC (3 – 1) Hibernians FC
Sliema Wanderers produced a very impressive display to brush aside Hibernians 3-1 and strengthen their grip on third place.
Adam Magri Overend put them ahead after three minutes before Gustavo Alcino added a second on 35 minutes.
Hibernians pulled a goal back through Alex Bruno on the hour mark, but Sliema soon restored their two-goal lead courtesy of a Mohammed Awad goal.
Gżira United FC (2 – 1) Żabbar St. Patrick FC
In the Bottom Six, Giovanni Tedesco enjoyed a winning start in his second stint as Gżira United coach when they eased past Żabbar St Patrick 2-1.
Gabriel Mentz converted two penalties to hand his team the three points while Żabbar responded with a late goal from Tavares.
Marsaxlokk FC (2 – 1) Balzan FC
Marsaxlokk fended off Balzan’s fightback to earn a 2-1 win.
The southerners took the lead following an own goal by Triston Caruana but the latter soon made amends when he pulled his team level.
However, Yuri Messias went on to hand his team the three points with a fine finish midway through the second half.
Melita FC (0 – 3) Naxxar Lions FC
Naxxar Lions moved out of the bottom two places with a 3-0 win over Melita.
Nikolai Micallef put Naxxar ahead before Garcia Nogueira doubled the Lions’ lead.
An own goal from henrique Motta wrapped up a disappointing day for Melita who missed a penalty through Andre Pena Da Costa.
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