Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara took a point each from an entertaining match which had a tense finale with the Stripes playing the last twelve minutes with a man less.

All in all in was a fair result with both teams near to stealing victory in added time.

This was a direct clash between two teams who are looking to grab a European spot with Birkirkara leapfrogging Sliema Wanderers following a midweek win against Valletta. For the Stripes this was their fourth win in their last five games and responded well after their defeat against Hamrun Spartans.

As for Sliema Wanderers following their recent administrative problems which have calmed down a bit the team has been performing better. In fact from their last four matches they won two and drew two.

with Francesco Verde and Caio Prado giving a starting berth.

But just past the half hour Birkirkara drew level. A long throw in by Cain Attard found Luke Montebello who flicked the ball which hit the upright before ending in the net.

The Stripes took the lead eight minutes into the second half when off a cross shot by Luke Montebello the ball was perfectly met by Caio Prado who volleyed home from close range.

On the hour mark a soft shot by Riki Kakinuma from the edge of the area was easily saved by the Birkirkara goalkeeper. And on 78 minutes the Stripes were dealt a blow for the closing stages of the match when Oscar Carniello was given the marching orders following a foul on Cisotti this being his second bookable offence.

Sliema drew level six minutes from the end through the BOV Player of the Match Danny Holla who received a pass from Vukovic and unleashed a shot from the edge of the area which went past Guarnone.

In added time Birkirkara hit the woodwork through Luke Montebello whereas Sliema had a Satariano headed effort cleared off the line by Zammit.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina