BIRKIRKARA-1, SLIEMA WANDERERS-0
Birkirkara narrowed the gap on leaders Hibernians to seven points after beating Sliema Wanderers1-0 in a hard-fought game. Both teams were looking for a win to improve their position in the standings but it was Birkirkara who took the points thanks to Liliu's early strike.
Sliema pressed hard for an equaliser in the second half but their efforts were to no avail as Birkirkara held firm. Birkirkara started the game on the offensive. Four minutes into the game, Paul Fenech rifled high from the distance and, moments later, Ryan Scicluna's screamer was blocked by Luca Martinelli.
Michael Mifsud, still looking for his first goal since rejoining Sliema Wanderers, jinked his way into the Birkirkara box but he lifted his shot over the bar. At the other end, Fenech was high with another long-range effort but Birkirkara opened the scoring midway into the first half.
Shola Shodiya Haruna drifted into the box across the byline before crossing for Brazilian Liliu who prodded home from close range. The Blues would have levelled matters but for a fine save from Justin Haber who beat away Mifsud's dangerous effort.
At the other end, Ryan Camenzuli had a good opportunity to double Birkirkara's lead but his tame shot was easily saved by Glenn Zaammit. Just before the half-time whistle, Haruna slipped a through-ball towards Liliu but Zammit was quick off his line to block the Brazilian's run.
Sliema stormed into Birkirkara at the start of the second half but struggled to create clear chances despite their superior possession. The Stripes lost their fluidity but in a counter-attack, they threatened to double their lead as Liliu released Ledesma but the Brazilian hit wide.
Ten minutes from time, Ledesma, who had just made way for Vyancheslav Shevchenko, was sent off after incurring a second booking for applauding referee Alan Mario Sant who had just shown him a yellow card for taking it easy as he walked towards the dug-out.
Two minutes from time, Edward Herrera was just wide with a strong shot. Ryan Scicluna, the Birkirkara midfielder, was named BOV player of the match.