TARXIEN RAINBOWS-0, BIRKIRKARA-1
Birkirkara consolidated top spot after seeing off a spirited Tarxien Rainbows side thanks to Jhonnattann's goal midway into the second half.
As the scoreline indicates, Birkirkara had to fight hard for the three points as Tarxien produced a bold effort in their bid to reverse their dismal record against the Stripes this season but Jhonnattann's solitary striker left the Rainbows empty-handed.
With this win, Birkirkara opened a five-point gap on Hibs who are playing Valletta, now seven points behind the Stripes, in today's second game.
Scoring opportunities were scarce in a quiet opening.
Tarxien produced the first notable chance on 12 minutes. Brazilian forward Leandro passed to Daniel Mariano Bueno who promptly freed Justin Grioli but the latter fired wide of the far post.
Birkirkara came into this match on the back of an important win over Valletta but they struggled to find their rhythm for much of the first half of this match.
Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, had to make his first substitution on 21 minutes as captain Gareth Sciberras was forced to abandon proceedings due to injury. His place was taken by Ryan Scicluna.
On 28 minutes, Edward Herrera produced a good run on the right but his cross was cleared by Ryan Sammut.
At the other end, Steven Bonnici nodded over from Bueno's cross.
Late in the first half, Tarxien midfielder Roderick Bajada tried his luck with a shot from outside the penalty area but his effort was high.
Early in the second half, Jhonnattann's long-range effort was saved by Nicky Vella, the Tarxien goalkeeper.
Brazilian defender Rodrigo Pereira headed wide after getting on the end of Jhonnattann's corner.
The best chance came Tarxien's way when Leandro ran into the box from the left before passing to Bueno who miscued his flick.
Jhonnattann badly mishit his free-kick while, on the hour, Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber stopped Bueno's header from Carlo Mamo's cross.
Tarxien had a good chance when Andrezinho broke clear on the counter but his powerful shot sailed wide of the far post.
Leandro also hit wide as Tarxien continued to create chances. This prompted Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, to introduce Nigerian Shola Shodiya Haruna for Rodrigo Pereira.
Haruna quickly made his mark as, midway into the second half, he sent a through-ball to Jhonnattann who fired home.
Birkirkara improved after taking the lead. Mifsud Triganza flicked over from Haruna's cross.
With 19 minutes remaining, Ryan Sammut kept Tarxien in the game when stopping Jhonnattann's goalbound effort.
Jhonnattann then blasted wide after receiving from Mifsud Triganza.
In stoppage time, Birkirkara came close to a second goal as Paul Fenech, one of their best players, served Jhonnattann as Tarxien were caught on the counter. Luckily for the Rainbows, goalkeeper Vella dashed out of his goal to block the Brazilian's run.
Tarxien's Branislav Timotic lofted his shot high before Jhonnattann produced another surging run on the counter only to fire wide.
Jhonnattann was named BOV player of the match.