A nine-man Sliema side got their season off to a bright start as a second half strike from Giglio was enough for them to beat champions Birkirkara, who played in 10 men.

But it was a rather quiet start especially with both teams looking far away from being 100 per cent fit.

The two teams were heavily depleted, especially Birkirkara, who had only five regulars in their side and just one of the five foreigners promised for the Champions league encounters.

In the first half, Sliema showed the better ideas and I wonder how they failed to score at least once as they missed a good number of chances, especially when they enjoyed numerical superiority.

The Stripes could only defend en masse but their youngsters gave a good account of themselves. Also for Sliema, goalkeeper Henry Bonello, son of the famous John, former Hibs and Malta goalie showed confidence, including saving a penalty.

In the second half, it was a reversal of fortunes as the champions failed to leave an impact despite playing with a man more after Mintoff was sent off.

Birkirkara suffered a blow on 13 minutes when Bernard Paris rushed out of the area and handled the ball when challenged by Adrian Mifsud. He was obviously shown the red card. Joshua Galea took his place in between goal with Alan Tabone being sacrificed.

The goalie was quickly brought into action from Giglio's freekick, as he splendidly turned the ball into a corner. A few minutes later, he was again in action saving a Mifsud full blooded shot.

Sliema continued to dictate matters and Carabott was unlucky with a shot that hit the upright.

On 35 minutes, it was Mifsud, set beautifully by Giglio, who mishit from an ideal position, hitting wide.

The teams were back on level terms on 42 minutes when Sliema's Roderick Bajada was also shown a red card for a foul on Sadowski.

Birkirkara missed a good chance on 45 minutes when Holland passed to the unmarked Galea, but the latter failed to control the ball with Bonello out of position.

On the 54th minute, Sliema had to play on with nine men as the promising youngster John Mintoff received his second yellow card and was also dismissed.

A minute later, Sliema missed their best opportunity. Mifsud set Giglio, but the latter's shot was excellently turned to corner by Galea.

Yet, it was Birkirkara who went closest to opening the score on the hour when Holland sent in an inviting cross for Galea to head just wide of the target. Soon after, Bonello had to dive full length to turn to corner a fine Holland free-kick.

On 76 minutes, Birkirkara were awarded a penalty when off a Paris cross, the official deemed that some Sliema defender had handled the ball. From the spot-kick, Michael Galea saw his effort saved by the young Bonello and the Stripes' chance went begging.

With 11 minutes to go, Sliema scored what proved to be the winner when from a Ciantar free-kick, Stefan Giglio headed home.