Birkirkara’s Liliu (right) storms clear of Naxxar’s Ryan Gilmour Cassar. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Naxxar Lions 1
Gilmar 10;
Birkirkara 3
Scicluna 43; Ledesma 48 pen.; Bissi 60;

Birkirkara kept the pace with the Premier League’s front-runners after coming from behind to see off a resolute Naxxar Lions side.

It was far from a convincing performance from the Stripes who, for the second successive week, had to survive an early a scare after falling behind to a Gilmar goal after 14 minutes.

The Stripes struggled to get their act together and it took some clever build-up work from their Brazilian forwards Liliu and Rafael Ledesma to mastermind an equaliser, courtesy of Ryan Scicluna just before half-time.

The goal bolstered Birkirkara as, in the second half, they outplayed their opponents, scoring twice inside the opening 15 minutes to seal their second straight victory.

The three points not only enabled Birkirkara to strengthen their grip on third place but, more importantly, provided them with a confidence boost as they look to achieve some much-needed consistency.

Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit effected one change to the team that beat Żebbuġ Rangers last weekend as Spanish defender Alejandro Mendoza was handed a starting berth at the expense of Edward Herrera who had to settle for a place on the bench.

Naxxar coach Jesmond Zerafa was forced to make do without Argentine Pablo Doffo and Victor Bellia, both serving a one-match ban.

Nigerian midfielder Uzeh Edafe, back after recovering from a shoulder injury, was given the nod to start in midfield, filling the void left by Doffo.

A lapse in concentration by Mendoza almost proved costly for the Stripes after seven minutes. The Spanish defender’s erratic pass was intercepted by Terence Vella who quickly served Uchenna Emenike whose shot was blocked.

The ball fell into the path of Vella who fired a low drive that whizzed past the upright.

Birkirkara failed to heed the warning signals and three minutes later Naxxar struck.

Gareth Sciberras lost his balance in mid-pitch and Gilmar quickly retrieved possession, letting fly a stinging drive from 30 metres out that completely surprised Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber.

One expected a strong response from the Stripes but despite enjoying long spells of possession, they looked short of ideas and rarely threatened Naxxar keeper Julian Azzopardi.

Instead it was Naxxar who almost struck again on 24 minutes when, from Gilmar’s corner, Vella directed a dipping header that was somehow kept out by Haber.

Birkirkara’s first attempt at goal arrived on 33 minutes when Bissi’s long-range shot flew over. They drew level two minutes from the break when Ledesma released Liliu on the right and the Brazilian immediately sent a low cross towards the sprinting Scicluna who stabbed the ball past Azzopardi.

Birkirkara looked a transformed side on the restart, forging ahead after three minutes.

Ryan Camenzuli’s cross was handled by Andrew Scicluna in the box with referee Alan Mario Sant immediately pointing to the spot. Ledesma stepped up for the kick and drilled the ball past Azzopardi.

Birkirkara almost hit a third on 51 minutes when a misunderstanding between Edafe and Angus Buhagiar opened the way for Eliandro to burst into the area but his firm drive finished over.

On 57 minutes, the Naxxar fans protested for a penalty when Gilmar ran into the area and fell under the challenge of Sciberras but Sant waved play on.

Birkirkara all but wrapped up the points on the hour when Ledesma’s free-kick sailed towards Bissi who dived full stretch to head the ball past Azzopardi.

Zerafa sought to infuse energy into his team when he withdrew Daren Falzon and David Reano for Mattia Del Negro and Pape Gueye.

But the Stripes remained in control.

On 66 minutes, Sciberras supplied a low cross for Liliu who saw his effort hit the side-netting.

With the game all but over, Birkirkara looked happy to administer their advantage.

Midfielder Edmond Agius, who had earlier come on for Ledesma, almost put his name on the scoresheet on 76 minutes but his curling drive from the edge of the area finished just wide.

Naxxar finally threatened a minute from time when Emenike produced a firm drive but Haber was well-positioned to block his effort.

Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-6, A. Scicluna-5, I. Edet-6, T. Vella-6, D. Falzon-5.5 (64 M. Del Negro-5), Gilmar-7, R. Cassar-6, A. Buhagiar-5, D. Reano-5.5 (64 P. Gueye-5), U. Emenike-5, U. Edafe-5.

Birkirkara
J. Haber-5.5, M. Bissi-6.5, Eliandro-6.5 (84 A. Borg), R. Ledesma-7 (73 E. Agius), A. Mendoza-6, G. Sciberras-6, Z. Muscat-6, P. Fenech-6, R. Camenzuli-6, R. Scicluna-6.5, Liliu-6 (66 S. Haruna-5.5).

Referee: Alan Mario Sant.

Yellow cards: Edafe; Muscat; Bissi.

BOV player of the match: Rafael Ledesma (Birkirkara).