Birkirkara needed a stoppage time goal from Paul Fenech to see off Naxxar Lions 1-0 at the National Stadium this evening.

It was a dramatic victory for Paul Zammit’s men who dominated possession for long stretches but were foiled time and again but some fine defending by the Naxxar defence.

On 16 minutes Zach Muscat connected to Rafael Ledesma’s free-kick but his header flew wide.

The woodwork denied Birkirkara an opener on the half hour when Liliu chested the ball down in the area and his firm drive came off the upright.

On the hour Fenech broke into the area but his low drive was pushed away by Azzopardi.

A minute later, the Naxxar no.1 had to dive full stretch to push over Ryan Scicluna’s dipping shot. Birkirkara were pushing more forward and on 65 minutes Mendoza was first to Ledesma’s corner-kick but his header hit the bar.

As the match drew to a close a draw seemed inevitable but Birkirkara had other plans as deep into stoppage time Azzopardi punched away Edward Herrera’s cross but in came Fenech who scrambled the ball into the net.

Naxxar goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi was voted as the BOV Player of the match.