Malta round-up: Birkirkara maintain title challenge

Second-placed Birkirkara FC kept pace with Maltese Premier League leaders Sliema Wanderers FC with a narrow 1-0 win at champions Hibernians FC on Saturday.

Difficult conditions
The heavy rain that swept over the National Stadium made life difficult for both teams throughout the match, but Birkirkara held their nerve to stay two points behind Sliema. Birkirkara welcomed back Romanian defender Lucian Dronca after suspension, while new signings Rufin Oba and Matthew Calascione were both included in the starting lineup.

Decisive goal
The match was decided four minutes before the end of the first half, as William Camenzuli’s low effort from an acute angle hit the foot of the post and rebounded off startled Hibernians goalkeeper Mario Muscat and into the net.

Comfortable victory
Earlier in the day, Sliema recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory against Marsaxlokk FC, taking the lead after two minutes as Nigerian striker Orosco Anoman’s shot from just inside the penalty area beat Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Rueben Debono.

Captain on target
It was 2-0 shortly before half-time, as Sliema captain Noel Turner headed Carlo Mamo’s cross into the net, before Nenad Veselji rounded off the win for the home side, adding a third 19 minutes from time. 

Games postponed
Sunday’s games, between Valletta FC and Pietà Hotspurs FC in the championship group and Floriana FC and Hamrun Spartans FC in the relegation pool, were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches. The games will now take place on 18 February.