St George’s: B. Paris, B. Fenech (E. Degabriele), R. Conceicao, L. Lagana, E. Sevasta, L. Grima, C. Brincat, K. Formosa, J. Spiteri, L. Mizzi, H. Schembri (A. Bonello, K. Darmanin).

Birkirkara: S. Sullivan, L. Galea, R. Sammut, W. Camenzuli (G. Gallovich), M. Calascione (P. Borg), M. Galea, JP Mifsud Triganza, J. Holland, D. Larrossa (C. Micallef), K. Scicluna, G. Mallia.

Referee: K. Azzopardi. Ass. Refs: J. Camilleri, C. Micallef. 4th official: A. Arciola

Scorers: JP Mifsud Triganza,

Yellow cards: J. Holland, C. Brincat,

Red card: L. Lagana

Player of the match: R. Conceicao.

TMI Top 3: 1. R. Conceicao. 2. J. Holland, 3. K. Scicluna

The champions had to rely on a solitary Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza first half goal – albeit a gift goal – to squeeze through against lowly St George’s.

That goal separated the two sides at the end, even if the Saints had to play for more than 55 minutes with a man short after Lagana was sent off.

Producing another lacklustre performance, the Stripes were even jeered by their own few faithful fans who travelled to Ta’ Qali.

Despite their victory, the Stripes once again failed to convince. The side lacked determination and commitment. No wonder that most of their passes, especially George Mallia, William Camenzuli, Lino Galea and to some extent also Michael Galea, went astray.

In the first half, Birkirkara exercised territorial superiority, but, apart from the goal and a couple of other occasions, they rarely troubled goalkeeper Paris, although on another occasion, they also hit the post.

St George’s had been providing decent opposition even after they had suffered the goal. But after Lagana got a second booking and consequently was sent off, their task became much more difficult as they had to concede midfield almost completely to the champions.

In the second half, they still remained in command, but the Saints played their hearts out and not only closed all the gaps at the back but also found time to provide some anxious moments for goalie Sullivan.

After a quiet start, Birkirkara took the lead on 16 minutes when a Lino Galea cross was not cleared by the Saints defence and JP Mifsud Triganza showed no mercy as he planted the ball into the net.

Soon after, Calascione had a good effort going inches wide, while on the 19th minute, Holland had a fine freekick hitting the crossbar.

St George’s task became even more uphill on 36 minutes when Lagana received a second yellow card and had to leave his side fighting with ten men.

Just before the interval, Michael Galea was put through by Mifsud Triganza, but lifted the ball over the bar from the edge of the area.

On the 48th minute, B’kara went close when a Michael Galea cross was tipped sideways by goalie Paris, but Mifsud Triganza was a second too late as he failed to connect in front of an open goal.

On 55 minutes, Paris had to dive sideways to turn to corner a hard shot from Mifsud Triganza.

Two minutes later, at the other end, St George’s nearly surprised the champions as a shot from Johan Spiteri was saved with some difficulty by Sullivan.

The Stripes, however, were in command, and on 65 minutes, a Michael Galea effort went just over.

Paris was the protagonist on 75 minutes as he splendidly turned to corner another Michael Galea effort.