Sliema Wanderers joined Valletta in third place, three points behind second-placed Hamrun Spartans and four behind Floriana as they came from behind to beat Birkirkara 2-1 in a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round Top 6 at the National Stadium on Sunday.
The Wanderers, therefore, returned to winning ways after the draw with Floriana in their last league match. On the other hand, for the Stripes, this was the second successive defeat following the 0-2 loss to Sliema in their previous league outing.
Birkirkara had a perfect start, taking the lead on 4 minutes thanks to Luis Cordova who managed to beat goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi from close range.
However, four minutes in the second half, the Stripes were reduced to ten men after having goalkeeper Miguel Angel Martinez sent off for a foul on Vito Plut just outside the area.
Sliema levelled matters on 64 minutes courtesy of Roko Prsa when he slammed the ball home off a Steve Pisani corner from the left.
Steve Pisani notched the winner eight minutes from time when off a Prsa corner from the right, a header by Pisani ended in the direction of Fernandinho whose shot was blocked but Pisani took the rebound and placed the ball at the back of the net.