Despite having a player sent off early in the second half, Birkirkara defeated Floriana 2-1 at the National Stadium on Saturday to move second, one point ahead of Hibernians and two ahead of Gzira United who, however, have a game in hand.
Floriana, on the other hand, who were hoping to bounce back from the shock defeat to Santa Lucia in the Izibet FA Trophy, are now seventh on 25 points.
Birkirkara had Kevin Tulimieri sent off six minutes in the second half after he received a second yellow card and Floriana managed to take the lead on the 70th when off a cross by Lorenzo De Grazia, Oualid El Hasni hit home from close range.
However three minutes later, Enzo Daniel Cabrera levelled matters with a great volley when served on the left, just inside the area.
Two minutes from time, the Stripes notched the winner thanks to Alex da Paixao Alves who concluded a good move with a powerful shot which was deflected by a defender to deceive goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov and end at the back of the net.