Matchday 3 of the YoHealth Malta Premier League provided more drama as Birkirkara’s struggles in this year’s championship deepened after suffering defeat to Hibernians while champions Ħamrun Spartans, Sliema Wanderers, and Valletta all recorded important wins.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 3 by SportsDesk.
Hibernians FC (2 – 1) Birkirkara FC
Birkirkara entered their top fixture against leaders Hibernians, desperate for the three points, and the Stripes looked on their way to break their duck when Kemar Reid fired them ahead.
However, their failure to take their scoring chances came back to haunt them as in the second half Joao Teixeira levelled matters for the Paolites. When the match looked set to finish in a draw, substitute Cleiton fired home the winner and handed Hibs a 2-1 win.
The Stripes’ reaction to the defeat saw former Cagliari coach Gianluca Festa appointed as the new head coach and is set to make his debut against Sliema Wanderers on Tuesday.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (2 – 0) Mosta FC
Ħamrun Spartans clinched their first league win of the season when they beat Mosta 2-0.
The Reds, who again rested some of their best players due to their congested fixture list in the league and the Conference League, took the lead after the break when substitute Joseph Mbong fired them ahead.
Giacomo Modica’s men sealed the points late on when another substitute, Mouad El Fasni, killed off the match with a second goal.
Valletta FC (3 – 1) Marsaxlokk FC
Valletta also netted their first win of the season when they eased past Marsaxlokk 3-1.
Jefferson de Assis fired them ahead before Yuri Messias added a second goal against his former club.
Marsaxlokk pulled a goal back through Joseph Minala but it was the Citizens who had the final say as Yannick Yankam assured the win with a third goal.
Floriana FC (1 – 1) Gżira United FC
Floriana were held to a 1-1 draw by Gżira United.
The Maroons stunned their more-quoted opponents when taking an early lead through Maxuell Maia.
Floriana managed to fight back and level matters through Rui Areias but the Greens could not find a second goal and had to settle with a point.
Sliema Wanderers FC (1 – 0) Tarxien Rainbows FC
Sliema Wanderers were back to winning ways when they edged Tarxien Rainbows 1-0.
The Blues were far from their best against a resilient Tarxien side, but in the end, Henrique Murillo’s early goal was enough to secure the three points.
Żabbar St. Patrick FC (1 – 1) Naxxar Lions FC
Naxxar Lions picked up their first point of the season following a 1-1 draw against Żabbar St Patrick.
The Lions took just nine minutes to take the lead through Gustavo Campos, but the Saints levelled matters through Toni Silva but neither side could secure the win.
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