Santa Lucia register a double over Birkirkara

Santa Lucia claimed three precious points in the battle against relegation as they defeated Birkirkara by the odd goal in five at the National Stadium on Sunday. Therefore they registered a double over the Stripes after beating them 2-0 in the first round.

Although they are still second from bottom, they move to just one point behind Balzan and two behind Mosta although both will be in action later on Sunday. For Birkirkara, this defeat was an anti-climax following the win over Hibernians last week and therefore remain in third place, eight points behind Floriana and seven behind the Paolites.

Santa Lucia took the lead on the 23rd minute when off a Patrick Silva Mota corner from the left, Andre Fausto Rodrigues Prates headed home past Amara Sylla.

Ten minutes in the second half, Santa Lucia were awarded a penalty and Jurgen Pisani converted.

Lorenzo Yael Soares Fonseca made it 3-0 on the 64th minute with a long-distance freekick which beat the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

Birkirkara reduced the gap on the 75th minute when off a freekick by Leandro Aguirre, Oscar Matias Carniello headed home past goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Two minutes from time, the Stripes scored a second goal thanks to substitute Jed Valletta who beat Haber from close range.