Birkirkara scored an early goal to overcome Mġarr United and restore their five-point lead ahead of their upcoming clash against second-place Swieqi United.
The Stripes had to dig deep to clinch the three points as they had to play almost the entire second half with 10 players after Charlene Zammit’s red card in the 55th minute.
Despite the numerical advantage, Mġarr could not take advantage as Jose Borg’s Birkirkara managed to keep them at bay and secure a crucial win.
With two games left, Birkirkara’s next match against Swieqi can hand them their 12th league title.
Swieqi United clinched an important victory to put pressure on leaders Birkirkara after beating Hibernians 6-2.
The Owls have now moved just two points behind the Stripes as leaders Birkirkara will take on Mġarr United in Friday’s match before both Swieqi and Birkirkara take on each other in next weekend’s crunch match.
Swieqi United opened the score after just two minutes when Salamatu Abdulai lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Maya Muscat inside the penalty area.
Hibernians replied immediately through Alexis Espitia who slotted home a Martina Borg’s low freekick.
Nonetheless, the Owls scored two more goals without reply through Abdulai, who beat Muscat from close range and Shona Zammit who found the back of the net with a long-range effort.
After the change of ends, Abdulai completed her hat-trick with a striking effort from inside the penalty area.
This time, Hibernians did respond with a goal through Sarah Urpani who slotted home from point-blank range.
Swieqi found their fifth when Jade Flask teed up Mariah Sciberras who beat Muscat with a low drive.
Captain Dorianne Theuma drilled home Swieqi’s sixth from the penalty spot after Amy Busuttil had tripped Flask inside the penalty area.
In the closing stages of the game, Brazilian forward Ana Rodrigues came off the bench to make her Swieqi debut.
Meanwhile, Sarah Vella Barberi’s sole goal handed Valletta another victory in the Bottom Four section, this time over Lija Athletic.
San Ġwann, on their part, secured a narrow win over Mtarfa thanks to Oumaima Mhalli’s second-half strike.