Santa Lucia registed an important win against Birkirkara winning by the odd goal in five. It was a match which saw the Saints take a three goal lead and it was only late in the game that the Stripes scored two goals but it was too little too late thus leaving the pitch empty handed.

This was a match between two teams who were in search of maximum points but for different reasons. Birkirkara who wanted to keep the pressure on the top two whereas Santa Lucia in order to climb up the ladder since their position is not a desired one.

Four minutes had elapsed when Birkirkara had a free-kick with Aguirre supplying the score and Enrico Pepe’s header ending wide. On the other end in the 17^th minute Vito Plut made his way in the opposing area playing the ball towards Filho Prestes but the latters conclusion was  cleared off the line by Carniello.

Midway through the first half Filho Pretes found Jurgen Pisani  but his shot was turned into a corner by Sylla. And from the resultant corner Santa Lucia took the lead. Patrick Mota Silva took charge of the corner and Andre Prates found the corner of the net with a well taken header.

Seven minutes from the end of the first half Haber had to be on the alert to save an Oscar Carniello shot from just outside the area. And in the 41^st an Aguirre shot was partially blocked by goalkeeper Haber and from the resultant rebound Montebello blasted over the bar.

The Saints started the second half and on 53 minutes a Gianmarco shot ended just wide. But just a minute later Santa Lucia increased their lead when after Pepe brought down Mota Silva in the penalty area Jurgen Pisani converted from the spot.

Santa Lucia continued to dominate proceedings and in the 64^th minute they scored their third goal through a direct free-kick which left Sylla stranded.

But a late rally by the Stripes produced two goals which weren’t enough to save the day. On 75 minutes off an Aguirre free-kick in came Oscar Carniello who headed past Haber. And on 90 minutes substitute Jed Valletta scored the second for Birkirkara.

Photo Domenic Aquilina