Jean P. Mifsud Triganza was Birkirkara’s great hero yesterday as he scored twice in the first half to pave the way for a precious victory against Valletta.

These were three precious points which have moved them closer to their second ever title.

In fact, Stephen Azzopardi’s boys now enjoy an eight-point lead over Sliema Wanderers who have today’s match against Hibernians in hand.

At this rate, and jugding on the Stripes’ form, it seems impossible for the Wanderers to bridge this gap, even if it is not yet over.

Technically, tactically and physically much stronger, the Stripes were miles ahead of their opponents who rarely, if ever, troubled goalie Simon.

Against Valletta, the Stripes took advantage of a shaky City defence to gun down their rivals, first through Mifsud Triganza in the first half and later through Briffa in the second half.

The Stripes had a number of key players missing through injury, among them Yanchev, Mallia and Holland. But this did not deter them from producing another convincing display.

The Stripes were in command at the back. In fact, Monesterolo and Gilbert Agius could never roam freely and were not given too much chance to have a pot at goal. The duo were completely blotted out of the match

In the second half, Valletta appeared to be fighting their way back into the game without, however, being too dangerous, but as time went by, Birkirkara again took command with a splendid Roderick Briffa dictating play in midfield and with Barbara creating havoc in the Valletta rearguard.

It was no surprise that Briffa scored a third goal which sealed the issue in the Stripes’ favour.

Birkirkara took the lead on seven minutes when JP Mifsud Triganza challenged goalie Sullivan for a ball, won the tussle and then easily hit home into the untenanted net.

On 16 minutes, Briffa set Barbara on the right, but the latter’s shot was saved by Sullivan. On 23 minutes, it was Barbara who sent in a fine cross, headed wide by Mifsud Triganza.

Valletta’s first effort arrived on 36 minutes as an Ian Zammit effort went just wide.

On 41 minutes, it was 2-0. Off a Barbara freekick, a Valletta defender could only head backwards and Mifsud Triganza was on hand to head home past Sullivan.

On 55 minutes, as Valletta showed some improvement, it was Simon who turned to corner an insiduous looking cross from Zammit. But that was as far City could go close to scoring.

On 62 minutes, City substitute goalie Montfort blocked a close range effort from Barbara after a low cross from the left by Galea. Soon after, Montfort again denied Barbara, set beautifully by Briffa.

It became 3-0 on 67 minutes. A wonderful move involving Barbara, Mifsud Triganza and Briffa ended with the latter firing home past the helpless Montfort.

After that the Stripes could administer the game to their liking.

* * *

Valletta: S. Sullivan (M. Montfort), K. Cassar, S. Pace, B. Nisevic, R. Forace (S. Bezzina), C. Dean, C. Mattocks, I. Zammit, S. Monesterolo, C. Camilleri (D. Zarb), G. Agius.

Birkirkara: D. Simon (B. Paris), L. Galea, P. Monye, R. Sammut, W. Camenzuli, M. Calascione, E. Barbara (J. Zerafa), M. Galea, R. Briffa, K. Scicluna, JP Mifsud Triganza (MA Bonnici).

Referee: A. Casha. Asst refs: A. Camilleri, N. Debattista; 4th official: K. Azzopardi

Scorers: JP Mifsud Triganza 2, R. Briffa

Yellow cards: L. Galea, I. Zammit, S. Monesterolo

BOV player of the match:

TMI Top 3: 1. JP Mifsud Triganza; 2. R. Briffa; 3. C. Mattocks