Marsaxlokk scored twice in the second half as they defeated Birkirkara 2-0 in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday.
The Southseasiders move one point ahead of Valletta, on 17 points, but the Citizens have a game in hand. Birkirkara, on the other hand, remain on the 10-point mark. For the Stripes, this was the second successive defeat and the fourth defeat in six matches.
Following a goalless first half, Marsaxlokk took the lead on 54 minutes when Dodo served Matias Garcia on the right and the latter beat goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa with a rising shot from an angled position.
To make matters worse for Birkirkara, Fernandinho was sent off just past the hour after receiving a second yellow card.
The Southseasiders doubled the score on 71 minutes when Ulises Arias slotted the ball past the helpless Fabrice Ondoa following an assist by Dodo from the right.