After earning a point in a 3-3 draw with Balzan, Birkirkara registered their first win as they defeated Zabbar St. Patrick 1-0 in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier at the National Stadium on Friday.
A penalty made the whole difference for the Stripes, condemning the newly-promoted side to a second defeat in as many matches.
Birkirkara coach Stefano De Angelis named Pablo Gaitan and Leandro Lacunza in the starting line-up with Manuel Morello and Shaun Dimech starting on the bench. On the other hand, Zabbar coach Joao Janeiro opted to start with Brian Gambarte and Joao Pedro with Leo Agius and Marcelo Barros being included as substitutes.
Zabbar held the initiative throughout the first half but just before half-time, Martim Ferreira floored Leandro Lacunza inside the area; referee Malcolm Spiteri ordered a penalty and Maxuell Samurai converted.
In the second half, Samurai went close to doubling the score but goalkeeper Matthew Grech turned his attempt into a corner and late in the game, Zabbar went close to equalising through substitutes Marcelo Santos and Sean Gatt.