Birkirkara-Marsaxlokk 2-2
Birkirkara failed to capitalise on the top-two direct clash this week-end as they dropped two precious points when held to a draw by fifth placed Marsaxlokk.
Their title hopes look as good as over now as the points by which they trail Sliema is not an insignificant deficit.
For the second consecutive time, the Stripes were unable to hold to their lead. They looked heading for a win after managing to turn the tables on Marsaxlokk and erase a one-goal deficit early after the restart to lead 2-1 with six minutes remaining.
However they were foiled by Marsaxlokk's equaliser on the stroke of time.
In the final analysis however, a draw is a fair result, rewarding Marsaxlokk's brave efforts in putting up one of their best performances since reshufling the team.
Both teams wanted to make up for upsets in their previous outings but both retained almost the same starting line-up. Birkirkara, still rueing their last minuted penalty conceded to Sliema which denied them victory, had prolific striker Michael Galea missing wit Ciantar starting the game instead,while Marsaxlokk, who were routed 3-1 by Hibernians, were forced to replace thier suspended striker Ochei with Licari. The latter however played in a very unusual role as right back. Schembri and Frendo played in attack.
The soutseasiders, still probing for their first win in the Championship Pool, but well aware that they were never beaten by Birkirkara this season, opened cautiously. They stayed composed, handling Birkirkara the initiative and relied on their organisation and defensive capabilities, in a bid to improve upon their abysmal defensive record. Carlo Mamo gave added support to Paiber and Tellus in central defence as Kevin Mamo played as left back, marking his former Marsaxlokk team mate Barbara, to good effect.
For the first half hour,Birkirkara had the lion's share of possession but their final pass was usually awry.
On nine minutes Camenzuli served Mifsud Triganza, kept on-side by a hairline, but he hesitated too long in front of goal and Paiber could recover.
Minutes later, Marsaxlokk took advantage of the referee's leniency, turning a blind eye to Licari's strong challenge on Ciantar when going inside the area through the middle.
Past the quarter hour, Briffa's low drive was picked by Mallia whose shot on the turn was saved by keeper Debono and midway through the half, Ciantar crossed the ball wide for Mifsud Triganza who shot narrowly wide.
But during the last 12 minutes of the first half, Marsaxlokk, who until then had rarely ventured inside enemy territory, carved three open chances which could have easily put them in front, were it not for some profligacy and ill-luck.
Past the half hour, Schembri played an intelligent through ball to Frendo who, when faced with keeper Darmanin, tried to shoot at goal from a narrow angle instead of passing back to the unmarked Trendafilov and the chance went to waste.
Two minutes later Trendafilov, inside the Birkirkara area, put Schembri clear. The latter's goal-bound effort, after beating Darmanin, was cleared off the line by defender Camenzuli. And just before the break, Kevin Mamo's inviting cross from the left was headed by Schembri against the cross bar.
And as if to confirm that whenever Marsaxlokk could funnel one of their breaks, there was danger for Birkirkara, the southseasiders forged ahead eight minutes after the interval as the Birkirkara defence was penetrated with startling ease. Trendafilov broke away from midfield, passed the ball wide to Schembri on the left and his cross was well met by Shaun Bajada, shooting low past the helpless Darmanin.
Marsaxlokk's joy was shortlived though as Birkirkara sparked an immediate response. Mifsud Triganza's effort in front of goal was blocked by the plucky Debono. But on 56 minutes equilibrium was restored. Ciantar's corner kick from the right was headed towards the middle by Mallia for Etienne Barbara to flick the ball in from close range.
On the hour, Birkirkara put in Nwoko for Ciantar and with Barbara shifted to the left flank, the balance of power also shifted dramatically in favour of the Stripes.
The revamped Barbara had two effort.s saved by Marsaxlokk's keeper and on 70 minutes the off-form Mifsud Triganza headed Barbara's cross over.
Marsaxlokk tried to venture forward on 74 minutes as Frendo raced in for Schembri's pass but his shot was saved by keeper Darmanin.
A Monye free-kick went over until with six minutes remaining, Birkirkara forged ahead. Barbara's cross from the left was headed by Mifsud Triganza but blocked by keeper Debono inside the goal area for Chuks Nwoko to put his looping header on the rebound at the far post, beyond everybody's reach.
The Stripes looked home and dry but were once more caught out by battling Marsaxlokk who equlaised on 90 minutes, also through their substitute Jamie Pace, finishing off Frendo's cross from the right, as the Birkirkara defence was again caught on the hop.