Birkirkara beat Żabbar St Patrick to stay in touch with leaders

ŻABBAR ST PATRICK        0

BIRKIRKARA                       3
Maxuell 34, 59
Lacunza 71

ŻABBAR ST PATRICK
L. Camiller; J. Micallef (75 S. Gatt), W. Bonilha, B. Gambarte, S. Ilic (46 D. Suarez), J. Pisani, D. Tavares (84 G. Zammit), S. Jovancic, Vinicius, K. Keqi (80 L. Micallef), M. Barros (76 J. Mendonca).

BIRKIRKARA
G. Volpe; M. Morello, A. Sandona, A. Alves (60 K. Reid), P. Mbong (78 P. Gaitan), A. Satariano (84 N. Cross), L. Lacunza, N. Micallef, A. Coppola, D. Makoma, Maxuell.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann.

Yellow cards: Satariano, Keqi, Samurai.

Birkirkara secured an important victory as they swept aside Żabbar St. Patrick with a commanding 3-0 win, moving just two points behind joint leaders Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana.

Despite conceding three goals, Żabbar put up a strong fight, particularly in the first half. However, they struggled to mount a meaningful response to Birkirkara’s clinical finishing and remain seventh in the standings with nine points.

Both teams showed attacking intent early on, with Żabbar creating the first threats. Stefan Ilic cut inside and curled an effort wide, while captain Brian Gambarte also went close with a shot that missed the target.

However, it was Birkirkara who broke the deadlock in the 32^nd minute. Maxuell pounced on a rebound from a set-piece to fire home his 18^th goal of the season, giving the Stripes a deserved lead.

Żabbar made an attacking change at half-time, bringing on David Souza for Ilic to add more firepower. They started the second half brightly, with Suarez heading wide from a promising position.

Birkirkara, however, remained in control and doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Maxuell was fouled inside the box. The Brazilian stepped up and confidently converted the penalty for his 19^th goal of the campaign.

The Stripes sealed the victory with a third goal as Leandro Lacunza slotted a low drive past Luca Camilleri into the far corner.

Żabbar had a late chance to reduce the deficit through Strahinja Jovancic, but his close-range effort was denied by Giacomo Volpe.

Birkirkara comfortably saw out the game, keeping a clean sheet and celebrating a crucial three points in front of their supporters.