Any talk that the 2008-09 title issue will be an exclusive two-horse race between champions Valletta and Hibernians were dispelled on Monday when Birkirkara held the Citizens to a draw following a sound display that could have easily swayed the balance their way.
The Stripes came into the match on the back of two draws against Msida St Joseph (2-2) and Qormi (1-1). Those unexpected results had cast serious doubts on Birkirkara's potential of challenging the top teams.
However, playing Valletta always seems to bring the best out of Birkirkara. Despite trailing to Cleaven Frendo's 12th-minute opener, John Buttigieg's men refused to buckle and hit back admirably, banking mostly on the incisive running of Shaun Bajada and Trevor Cilia who kept erratic City on their toes.
Their efforts were rewarded two minutes after the break when Bajada backheeled the ball past Andrew Hogg for the equaliser.
The goal spurred the Stripes to greater efforts as they maintained a high tempo with Valletta struggling to impose their game and in the end settling for a draw that left them four points adrift of leaders Hibernians.
Birkirkara skipper Michael Galea had no doubts that his team's showing on Monday was a clear sign that the Stripes are no pushovers and should be included among the main challengers for the league title.
"I think against Valletta was a clear indication of the strength of Birkirkara," Galea told The Times yesterday.
"It was by far our best game of the season and although not many people thought we stood a chance, that performance must have changed their perception.
"Valletta have the best squad in the league but we made the favourites sweat and rendered life very difficult for them. I think the final result was fair. It will fill us with confidence for the remainder of the season."
Galea, who turns 30 on Sunday, is one of the most experienced players at Birkirkara. The former Malta international won various honours with the Stripes, including two championships. He certainly knows what it takes to mount a serious title challenge.
"One sector we need to improve on is consistency," he admitted.
"If you look at our performances this season we always seem to get positive results against the top teams but then struggle against the rest. In my opinion, we struggle to impose our superiority on defensive-minded teams but we find ourselves more comfortable when counter-attacking against the stronger teams.
"But, the team has settled down nicely now and, hopefully, we will show more consistency in our next matches."
Consistency is one aspect of the game Valletta have been seeking for a few weeks now.
The Citizens are the only team in the league without defeat. However, given the array of talent in their squad, many reckon they have yet to show their full potential.
Frendo, perhaps City's best player on Monday, is not too concerned on his team's form of late. Against Birkirkara, he contends that Valletta had done reasonably well against one of the top teams in the league.
Frendo satisfied
"Our supporters were disappointed we had failed to beat Birkirkara. But that was no easy match for us," Frendo remarked.
"Valletta are the champions and the squad is rich in talent. That, inevitably, raises the level of expectations from our fans but, surely, one cannot take away the merits of our opponents.
"I know, we were far from our best but Birkirkara made life very difficult for us. We tried to kill them off with a second goal but found it very hard to find openings.
"Their goal came at an untimely moment for us. We pushed forward for a second goal and had a couple of chances to win but it was not to be. Still, we can be reasonably satisfied with the result against a very good side."
Frendo is in his first season at the capital. He rejected suggestions that this will be a two-horse race for the championship.
"I don't think that Hibs will be our sole challengers," the 24-year-old said.
"Birkirkara will be there and you cannot rule out Sliema either. Remember, points will be halved at the end of the second round."
On a personal note, Frendo is satisfied with his progress lately after returning to first-team action following ankle surgery early in the campaign.
"For me, the season has only started a few weeks ago," he said.
"So far so good... I'm happy. Certainly, when you score goals in big matches like that of Monday, the confidence levels go up. At the moment, I think I'm OK but there is always room for improvement.
"My ambition is clear - winning the championship for Valletta. To achieve that we need to reach our peak at the second part of the season. So far, we're still unbeaten but we had a few hitches on the way. However, I'm sure we're still very much on the right track."