Birkirkara and Gzira United earned a point each in a 1-1 draw at the Hibernians Stadium in a match from which both sides were seeking maximum points to climb further top the table.
The Stripes extend their positive run to six matches but they are still eighth in the table, ten points behind leaders Sliema. Gżira, on the other hand, failed to keep the pace with the Wanderers as they now lie six points behind them, three behind Hamrun and one behind Hibs with the latter two having a game in hand.
The Maroons could have taken the lead on the 37th minute but Sacha Borg’s effort off a Nikolai Muscat corner hit the upright.
However, on the 64th minute, they went a goal ahead when they were awarded a penalty after Martin Davis was tackled from behind inside the area and from the penalty spot, the same player made no mistake.
Birkirkara equalised six minutes from time after being awarded a penalty for a foul by Haber on Falcone and Alex da Paixao Alves converted.
B’KARA Sandro Guarnone, Enrico Pepe, Yannick Yankam, Luke Montebello (Roderick Briffa 88’), Kurt Zammit, Reginald Mbu Alidor, Federico Falcone, Cain Attard, Claudio Bonanni (Paul Mbong 75’), Caio Prado (Alex da Paixao 66’), Oscar Carniello.
Coach: Andre PausGZIRA Justin Haber, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz, Steve Borg, Nikolai Muscat, Martin Davis, Nevin Portelli, Jackson Mendoza, Ricardo Correa Duarte, Sacha Borg, Jefferson de Assis, Raphael Kooh Sohna (Amadou Samb 71’).
Coach: Darren AbdillaReferee: Ishmael Barbara
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Paul Apap
Fourth Official: Emanuel Grech
Yellow Cards: E. Pepe, J. Mendoza, A. da Paixao.
BOV Player of the Match: Martin Davis