A goal two minutes from time by captain Zach Muscat handed Birkirkara their second win as they beat Hamrun Spartans 1-0 in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday.
The Stripes therefore join Floriana with maximum points after two matches. On the other hand, Hamrun suffer a second defeat in as many matches despite a much improved performance after disappointing in their first outing against Mosta. The Spartans held the initiative for long stretches, creating the better chances but in the end, it was Birkirkara who scored the all-important goal to take home the three points.
Hamrun had five changes from the team which lost to Mosta as Celio, Sven Xerri, Vincenzo Polito, Saliou Thioune and Marcelo were handed a start with Matthias Debono, Rafael Compri, Shaisen Attard and Jake Grech starting on the bench and Jack Ipalibo missing from the squad. Paul Zammit, on the other hand, named an unchanged side following the win over Gżira.
Birkirkara notched the winner on 88 minutes. Fernandinho delivered a free kick from the right and Zach Muscat rose high to head the ball past goalkeeper Celio.