Birkirkara continued with their flying start when in Matchday's 8 top clash they defeated reigning Champions Ħamrun Spartans by the odd goal in five. This was the Stripes 7th consecutive win and are now in pole position to win the Opening Round of the 360Sports Malta Premier.

Ħamrun could have not asked for a better start as after only two minutes they were already in front. Following a defensive mishap by Birkirkara Marlon Ondong was brought down in the area with the match official awarding a penalty. From the resultant kick Luke Montebello made no mistake.

After some nervy moments the Stripes went near on sixteen minutes when off a Gnamien low cross Maia failed to convert with the goal at his mercy. Just off the half  hour mark Ħamrun went near to double their lead when a Montebello cross was met by Ondong only for his headed effort to miss the target by a few inches.

But it was Birkirkara who drew level nine minutes from the break. A Maia shot from just inside the area was partially saved by Bonello and in came Alexander Satariano who deposited the ball into the net.

And on 43 minutes it was advantage Birkirkara. Satariano was now the assist man, finding Gnamien who though tightly marked was able to conclude past the Ħamrun Spartans goalkeeper.

The Stripes started the second half brightly when on 51 minutes they increased their lead. It was a wonder strike by Alexander Satariano who after making his way past three defenders fired the ball past a helpless Bonello.

On 56 minutes Camenzuli tried his luck with an acute shot which didn't have the desired effect. With Birkirkara responding ten minutes late through a long range shot by Maicon de Souza which sailed over the bar.

Eleven minutes from the end Ħamrun reduced the deficit when Shaisen's Attard low drive went past Volpe. So the Spartans were handed a lifeline in order to save the match, but till the end the Stripes defended well and kept their opponents at bay and thus register another important win.

Photo: Jonathan Barbara