Stripes close in on Euro berth

Ħamrun Spartans 0
Birkirkara 2
Hartvig 18; Yanchev 76

Birkirkara closed in on a European berth next season as they eased past Ħamrun Spartans to regain second place in the Premier League standings last night.

Goals from defenders Ronnie Hartvig and Emil Yanchev did the trick for the Stripes who have now leapfrogged Marsaxlokk into second place on 34 points, two ahead of the Southerners who face Valletta in their remaining match on Saturday.

It was a job well done for Birkirkara who bounced back from a disappointing draw against Floriana with a committed showing that saw them dominate possession for long stretches giving little chance for the Spartans to leave any mark on the match.

Marsaxlokk and Sliema must now win their remaining matches to deny Birkirkara from making the runners-up spot theirs and clinching qualification to the UEFA Cup.

Ħamrun coach Marco Gerada had one eye on Monday's FA Trophy semi-final against Floriana when he named his starting formation as Bratislav Timotic, Rupert Mangion and Mark Anthony Bonnici were not included in the squad as Alfred Effiong missed out through suspension.

Birkirkara went on the offensive right from the start and inside the opening four minutes Paul Fenech's throughball freed Davy Amed Sylla who tried a lob over goalkeeper Sean Sullivan but the ball hit the woodwork before rolling out of play.

The Stripes did break the Spartans' resistance on 18 minutes when Sylla's header was somehow kept out by Sullivan but in came Hartvig who stabbed home from close in.

The Spartans' response arrived on 26 minutes when Ryan Fenech picked up Stefan Sultana just inside the area and the veteran forward's volley flew just over.

After that opening goal the match became evenly balanced with Birkirkara administering their advantage while the Spartans trying hard to find a breakthrough but with scant reward.

Seven minutes from half-time, Sylla found space on the right before sending an inviting ball towards the advancing Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who, however, was a trifle too late to reach the cross.

Birkirkara held the initiative after the restart. On 47 minutes, Joseph Zerafa powered his way into the area but his shot just missed Sullivan's goal. Then, Mifsud Triganza missed another glorious opportunity when he found himself in ample space in the box but hit wide from an ideal position.

On the hour, the Stripes suffered a blow when Mifsud Triganza limped out injured, not the best of news ahead of Tuesday's semi-final against Valletta. He was replaced by Michael Galea. The latter almost struck on 69 minutes when he rose to meet Tabone's corner but his header flew just over the bar.

On 76 minutes, Shaun Bajada delivered a perfect centre and Yanchev headed firmly past Sullivan.

Three minutes later the woodwork denied the Stripes a third goal when Zerafa's curling shot hit the upright with Sullivan beaten for Birkirkara's second goal.

Enjoying a cushion lead, the Stripes took their foot off the pedal but were still strong enough to keep their opponents at bay to secure three useful points and complete their league calendar on a high.

Ħamrun Spartans
S. Sullivan-6, D. Cucciardi-6, P. Monye-6, K. Borg-5, Rod. Fenech-6 ('72 J. Debattista), S. Meilak-5.5, R. Fenech-6, S. Sultana-5 ('67 C. Cacciattolo-5), N. Galea-6, L.J. Agius-6 ('80 D. Caruana), G. Spiteri-5.

Birkirkara
B. Paris-5, L. Lombardi-6, L. Galea-6, R. Hartvig-6.5 ('90 R. Sammut), E. Yanchev-6.5, P. Fenech-6, G. Mallia-6.5, J. Zerafa-6.5, J.P. Mifsud Triganza-5.5 ('60 M. Galea-5), A. Tabone-7.5 ('76 S. Bajada), D.A. Sylla-7.

Referee: Joe Attard.

Yellow card: Rod. Fenech.

BoV Player of the match: Alan Tabone (Birkirkara).

Remaining fixtures

Tomorrow: 6 p.m. Pieta Hotspurs vs Msida St Joseph; 8 p.m. Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers.

Saturday: 6 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Valletta.