More difficult than expected for Birkirkara

Birkirkara struggled much more than expected to beat Qormi 2-0 to keep the pace with the top three teams. A fourth consecutive win for Birkirkara and a fourteenth consecutive defeat for bottom-placed Qormi.

Qormi, therefore, remain anchored at the bottom of the table and seem resigned to playing in Division 1 next season.

The Stripes managed to take the lead on the 26th minute when off a cross by Frank Temile, Mauricio Mazzetti headed home past goalkeeper Andreas Vella.

Two minutes from time, Frank Temile was brought down by Emerson Vella inside the area. Referee Alan Mario Sant ordered a penalty and dismissed Vella. From the penalty spot, Frank Temile converted.

B’KARA Miroslav Kopric, Cain Attard, Christian Bubalovic, Mauricio Mazzetti, Joseph Zerafa, Gareth Sciberras, Ryan Scicluna (84′ Kurt Zammit), Mislav Andelkovic,Goran Mujanovic, Frank Temile, Matija Smrekar (76′ Edmond Agius).
Subs not used: Ini Etim Akpan, Matthew Guilluamier, Ryan Darmanin, Fabien Lufi, Maverick Gatt.
Coach: Drazen Besek

QORMI Andreas Vella, Ryan Micallef (66′ Yannick Yankam), Kurt Magro (82′ Pietro Viggiani), Djamel Leeflang Boestra, Alessio Cassar, Ousmane Sidibe, Noah Olawole Ojuola, Terence Vella, Clifford Gauci, Emerson Vella, Go Nagaoka (66′ Joshua Barbara).
Subs not used: Miguel Falzon, Immy Micallef, Juan Carlos Vieira Peixoto, Luke Farrugia.
Coach: Johann Scicluna

Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, William Debattista
Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri
Yellow Cards: Nagaoka, Zerafa, Scicluna
Red Cards: 89′ Emerson Vella
Scorers: 26′ Mauricio Mazzetti, 90′ Frank Temile pen
BOV Player of the Match: Frank Temile