Marsaxlokk moved third, two points behind joint-leaders Floriana and Hamrun Spartans as they defeated Sliema Wanderers 1-0 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
Sliema, on the other hand, suffer their second defeat and share fifth place with Hibernians and Balzan on six points, one behind Birkrikara and four behind Marsaxlokk.
Marsaxlokk were reduced to ten men after Anthony Abah Obonogwu received a second yellow card on the 66th but ten minutes later, it was the turn of Neil Frendo to receive a second yellow to leave Sliema in ten men as well.
The Southseasiders scored the all-important goal on the 83rd minute when following a good move by Yuri Messias, the ball reached Jacob Walker who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi from close range.