Birkirkara bounced back from recent disappointing results with a 3-0 win over Hamrun Spartans at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Stripes therefore handed leaders Hamrun their first league defeat while joining Marsaxlokk, Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers on the 13-point mark, seven behind the Spartans and Floriana. However the other teams have a game in hand.
Birkirkara, who had interim coach Brian Chetcuti leading the team following the resignation of Giovanni Tedesco, forged ahead on 25 minutes when off an assist by Ali Diakite, Adailton controlled the ball on the edge of the area, beating goalkeeper Federico Marchetti with a fine shot.
Just before the end of the first half, Hamrun were reduced to ten men after Ognjen Bjelicic picked two yellow cards in less than a minute.
Three minutes in the second half, Birkirkara doubled the score when off a cross by Alex Satariano from the left, Emerson Marcelina deflected the ball past Marchetti for an own goal.
Elionay was sent off for Hamrun on the 76th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
Three minutes later, the Stripes extended the lead courtesy of substitute Maxuell Maia when Marcelina failed to control a pass by Juan Corbalan and the former Gzira forward had the easiest of tasks in hitting home past Marchetti.