Birkirkara yesterday beat Hibernians thanks to two Etienne Barbara goals near the end of each half to ascertain themselves of third place in the league and a berth in European football.

Whether it will be participation in the UEFA Cup or the Intertoto Cup is still to be seen as that depends on the outcome of the Trophy.

The Stripes got what they wanted in the first half when they outshone their depleted opponents after taking command of midfield.

For them, the season is now over, though they will be forced to continue if they have to play in the Intertoto Cup next month. The Paolites look forward to a successful Trophy run to claim their berth in the UEFA Cup.

Birkirkara were a superior side in the first half, enjoying territorial superiority without, however, creating many clearcut opportunities before scoring.

On their part, Hibernians fought bravely and it had to be goalie Sullivan who denied them from taking the lead twice off Doffo efforts.

Earlier, Briffa had gone close for the Stripes – his shot was cleared by Cassar from over the line. Then Larrosa just missed flicking in a Barbara low cross.

At the other end, Sullivan covered himself with glory, first turning to corner a Doffo freekick from the edge of the area, then doing the same a few minutes latter, off another freekick from Doffo, but from about 40 metres this time.

On 38 minutes, Birkirkara took the lead when Barbara received the ball in the middle of the area. His shot hit the crossbar and rebounded into the net off Camilleri’s diving body.

Just before the interval, Larrosa dribbled round three Hibs players including the goalie, was floored, but no penalty was awarded with the official being close to the action.

Soon after the start of the second half, Matthew Bartolo was unlucky not to equalise for the Paolites when his flick off a Thomas Caruana cross hit the crossbar.

Birkirkara then controlled their opponents with relative ease and on 81 minutes, Roderick Briffa had an effort going just over.

The Stripes made sure of their win on the 84th minute, when Barbara had little difficulty in planting the ball into the net off a Larrosa cross from the left.

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Hibernians: A. Camilleri, A. Pulis, K. Cassar (C. Zammit), R. Mintoff, R. Briffa, P. Doffo (J. Caruana), E. Agius, J. Vella (T. Fleri Soler), M. Bartolo, N. Chukunyere, T. Caruana.

Birkirkara: S. Sullivan, M. A. Bonnici (L. Galea), P. Monye, W. Camenzuli (J. Holland), E. Barbara, R. Briffa, D. Larrosa, C. Micallef, K. Scicluna, G. Mallia, A. Ciantar.

Referee: P. Caruana. Asst refs: C. Micallef, J. Camilleri. 4th official: A. M. Sant

Scorer: E. Barbara 2,

Yellow cards: MA Bonnici, P. Doffo,

Player of the match: E. Barbara

TMI Top 3: 1. E. Barbara, 2. G. Mallia, 3. M. Bartolo