Birkirkara were left ruing their ill-luck yesterday as they were beaten by rivals Valletta with a last minute penalty, procured by their defender Micallef and tucked away by Monesterolo, in a game the champions dominated for long stretches and created the better chances. It was the Stripes’ first defeat after four unbeaten games.

But for all their ample possession, Birkirkara could not thread a way past keeper Darmanin, back in the Valletta goal. The evergreen keeper made a string of brilliant saves to stretch Valletta’s unbeaten run to three games (all wins).

The game bore no resemblance to the classics these two teams have staged over the years although it produced a dramatic ending watched by a sizeable crowd of colourful supporters on the stands.

Birkirkara turned up the pressure but were devoid of penetration, while Valletta failed to create enough clear openings.

Both teams, on equal points in mid table, had won their previous matches before the league break. However, the champions, still struggling to find their best form and best team, were hampered further by the added injury to Mifsud Triganza. In fact, the striker was one of four Birkirkara players missing from the Birkirkara line-up from their previous match against Pieta. Bledzewski replaced Sullivan in goal while Holland returned to the side and newcomer La Rossa made his debut instead of the released Sbai.

Valletta had Darmanin, Forace and Falzon returning to their side after missing the previous game.

The match got to an explosive start with a chance each way in the first six minutes. A Zammit shot was repelled by the Birkirkara keeper and later Barbara’s shot was saved by keeper Darmanin, helped by the cross bar.

But then both defences were largely untroubled as the sides failed to put decent shots on target during the first half.

The Stripes looked menacing soon after the restart. Holland’s free-kick at the top corner brought a top rate save from Darmanin and then Calascione’s low cross was missed by Barbara as he tried to flick the ball in from close range. Birkirkara were unlucky to lose two important players, Camenzuli and Holland, both injured within a few minutes before the hour.

But they still pressed forward and Mallia’s effort, on yet another Barbara cross, was blocked by keeper Darmanin.

On the other end, Camilleri’s shot was saved by Bledzewski in one of the few occasions that Valletta ventured forward.

But Birkirkara remained the more potent attacking force and Darmanin the busier keeper.

Barbara missed the target as substitute Micallef’s effort was blocked by the Valletta keeper.

But the match had a most dramatic twist of fate on the stroke of full time when Valletta were awarded a penalty for Micallef’s late tackle on Monesterolo inside the area.

The Valletta striker tucked away the penalty to give his side an unexpected, if undeserved win, and add to the champions’ woes.

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Valletta: S. Darmanin, J. Bondin, M. Grima, B. Nisevic, R. Forace, I. Zammit (K. Fenech), U. Edafe (J. Grioli), D. Camilleri, D. Falzon (S. Bezzina), S. Monesterolo, G. Agius

Birkirkara: A. Bledzewski, M.A. Bonnici, R. Sammut, W. Camenzuli (L. Galea), M. Calascione, E. Barbara, J. Holland (C. Micallef), D. La Rossa, K. Scicluna, G. Mallia, G. Gallovich (P. Borg)

Referee: P. Caruana, Ass. Referees: K. Borg, P. Agius, 4th official: A. Azzopardi.

Scorers: S. Monesterolo (pen)

Yellow cards: W. Camenzuli, U. Edafe, M. Calascione, K. Scicluna, S. Monesterolo

Player of the match: Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara)

TMI best three: 1. E. Barbara, 2. S. Darmanin, 3. G. Mallia