Birkirkara ended their league commitments on a high. Showing superiority as the game went on, they obtained a comfortable win over Hamrun Spartans, to move up into second place in the standings. But they still await tomorrow’s clash between Sliema Wanderers and Floriana as well as Marsaxlokk’s encounter with Valletta on Saturday to know their fate. At the moment the Stripes enjoy a two-point lead over Marsaxlokk and three over Sliema, with a decider probably in the offing.

Birkirkara’s goals were scored by their two central defenders, Ronnie Hartvig and Emil Yanchev, one in each half, to confirm their valid contribution to the side this season.

Hamrun were a depleted side yesterday, bereft of Mangion, Timotic, Bonnici and the suspended Effiong, their minds of course set on the forthcoming FA Trophy semi-final match against Floriana.

With their Trophy semi-final against Valletta also looming large, Birkirkara were not entirely without ambition though, as they needed to win this last league game to enhance their chances of finishing among the top three. Birkirkara had defender Thomas Paris suspended.

They had the edge over the Spartans during the first 45 minutes and deserved their one-goal lead by halftime. That came after 18 minutes. As a cluster of players tried to connect on a Tabone sailing free kick from the left, the ball finally fell to Ronnie Hartvig who beat keeper Sullivan from close range.

The goal put the Stripes firmly in command as Hamrun’s reaction was weak, Sultana hitting Ryan Fenech’s cross horrendously wide. Past the half hour Birkirkara threatened when Mifsud Triganza failed to put a decent touch to Sylla’s cross. Another Tabone insidious free kick was cleared into a corner by Monye before Sylla could connect and a good Tabone-Sylla move presented Mifsud Triganza with an opening inside the Hamrun area, but keeper Sullivan blocked his effort.

Birkirkara probed for a second goal after the interval. Zerafa shot narrowly wide and then Mifsud Triganza missed the target on a Tabone low cross.

Birkirkara put in Michael Galea for Mifsud Triganza on the hour as Hamrun continued to play with less urgency. The fact that they were still only leading by one goal, might have instilled fears in the Birkirkara side of a repeat late draw against Floriana in the previous match.

They increased their efforts as Michael Galea headed a Tabone corner over and after Sylla shot wastefully wide, a Galea tame header was comfortably saved by Sullivan.

But there seemed to be a certain inevitability about Bikirkara’s second goal which came on 76 minutes and once more exposed Hamrun’s tendency to leave men unmarked in threatening positions.

Defender Emil Yanchev popped up to head substitute Bajada’s free kick from the left and give the Stripes the spoils.

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Hamrun S: S. Sullivan, D. Cucciardi, P. Monye, K. Borg, Roderick Fenech (J. Debattista), S. Meilak, Ryan Fenech, S. Sultana(C. Cacciatolo), N. Galea, L. Agius (D. Caruana), G. Spiteri

Birkirkara: B. Paris, L. Lombardi, L. Galea, R. Hartvig (R. Sammut), E. Yanchev, P. Fenech, G. Mallia, J. Zerafa, J.P. Mifsud Triganza (M. Galea), A. Tabone (S. Bajada), D.A. Sylla

Referee: J. Attard asst.refs: K. Botg, G. Tonna 4th official: P. Caruana

Scorers: R. Hartvig, E. Yanchev

Yellow cards: Roderick Fenech

Player of the match: Alan Tabone (Birkirkara)

TMI top three: 1. A. Tabone 2. D.A. Sylla 3. P. Monye