Birkirkara survived an early scare as they came from behind to see off Naxxar Lions 3-1 at the Hibs Stadium.

Things looked bleak for the Stripes who found themselves a goal behind after only 14 minutes.

Gareth Sciberras looked to have lost his footing in the middle of the park and Gilmar quickly pounced to claim possession before hitting a rasping drive from 30 metres out that completely caught by surprise Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Birkirkara stuttered to force a reaction and it was Naxxar who almost struck again on 24 minutes when from a Gilmar corner-kick, Terence Vella anticipated his marker to send a dipping header that was somehow kept out by Haber.

Birkirkara needed some sort of inspiration to get back into the match and that was provided by their Brazilian forwards Rafael Ledesma and Liliu who two minutes from the break combined on the right before the latter cut the ball back towards Ryan Scicluna who beat Julian Azzopardi with a firm drive.

Spurred by this goal Birkirkara looked a transformed side on the restart and three minutes into the second half they forged ahead.

Ryan Camenzuli’s cross was blocked by the arm of Naxxar defender Andrew Scicluna with the referee pointing to the spot. From the penalty, Ledesma drilled the ball past Azzopardi.

It was all Birkirkara now who wrapped up the points on the hour when from a Ledesma free-kick, Matheus Bissi dived full stretch to head the ball past Azzopardi.

Birkirkara striker Rafael Ledesma was voted as the BOV Player of the match.

 

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