Birkirkara registered their third successive victory beating Balzan by the odd goal in three with all goals scored in the opening 45 minutes. It was not an easy ride for the Stripes however as Balzan gave a very good account of themselves, but in the end they had to leave the field empty handed.

It was however a deserved victory for Birkirkara who now join Hibernians at the top of the standings with maximum points. Birkirkara could’nt have had a better start as they forged ahead in their first attack on two minutes when Luke Montebello dribbled past two defenders before serving Federico Falcone and the Argentine striker made no mistake.

Four minutes later Balzan’s first glimpse of goal when Andrejic tested Fernandes with a low drive and on ten minutes a Diego Venancio freekick just missed the target. Half way through the first half Birkirkara goalkeeper Fernandes showed all his worth to intercept a dangerous cross from Andrejic.

On 25 minutes the Stripes were unlucky to lose Diego Venancio injured, and the ex Floriana mastermind was substituted by Ryan Scicluna. Balzan were passing through a good patch and their equaliser on 39 minutes was no surprise. It was a very well taken goal scored by Milos Mijic with a fierce drive that gave Fernandes no chance to save.

But in the first minute of stoppage time the Stripes scored what proved to be the winner when Paul Mbong’s cross was brilliantly met by Jefferson Macedo who hammered home from close range.

The second half was less intense and played at a slower pace as Birkirkara tried to control their opponents and hold on to their precious lead. Balzan tried their best but their only real opportunity came three minutes from time when a Da Paixao effort just missed the target.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina