Birkirkara handed the first defeat of the season to leaders Hibernians beating the paolites by the odd goal in five in a spectacular match. The Stripes took a twogoal lead by the end of the first half, but Hibernians made a great comeback in the second half, even obtaining the equaliser. But a few minutes later Birkirkara scored what proved to be the winner through man of the match Luke Montebello.

The result puts the Stripes back in the hunt as they now trail the leaders by six points, but lso gives Floriana a golden opportunity to close the gap on the leaders if they manage to beat the Maroons this afternoon.

After a slow start Birkirkara took the lead on 24 minutes when Cain Attard passed towards Luke Montebello who fired home. Hibs did not offer much resistance and failed to react with the Stripes in full control. Two minutes before the break Brikirkara doubled the score when captain Cain Attard scored a great goal with a shot from 30 meters that completely beat Calleja.

Three minutes into the second half Hibernians were back in business when Ferdinando Apap headed home from close range following a corner action. Hibernians were now playing better as the Stripes suffered this setback.

On 72 minutes Birkirkara wasted the match point when

Luke Montebello all alone in front of goal shot straight on the onrushing goalkeeper. On 79 minutes Hibernians drew level when Ferdinando Apap managed to head a ball that looked destined for a goal kieck, and Da Costa Oliveira managed to squeeze the ball home.

But Hibernians’ joy was shortlived as four minutes later Birkirkara scored the winner thorugh Luke Montebello after a good run by Paul Mbong. There was more to come in stoppage with Cain Attard missing a gloriuous opportunity to seal the issue hitting wide in front of Calleja Cremona after an impressive run, and on the other end Almeida miskicked in front of goal for what could have been a dramatic equaliser.