Tarxien Rainbows 3
Calabretta 17, 27; Ribeiro 53
Birkirkara 3
Bajada 19, 59; Galea 85
Michael Galea came to Birkirkara's rescue yesterday as the veteran forward hit a late equaliser to hand the Premier League leaders a potentially vital point after a 3-3 draw with Tarxien Rainbows at the Hibs Stadium.
In a thrilling match, the title-chasing Stripes showed great fighting spirit as they fought back from 3-1 down to move one point clear of Valletta ahead of their direct clash next weekend.
The speed and agility of Tarxien's attacking trio, Denni, Gianluca Calabretta and Anderson Ribeiro, made life hard for Birkirkara yesterday but as the minutes ticked away, Paul Zammit's men stepped up their pressure.
They launched a series of attacks to level at 3-3 and avoid what would have been their first defeat after five straight wins.
Zammit had two first-team players missing as Trevor Cilia and Rowen Muscat were both serving a one-match ban. They were replaced in the starting line-up by George Mallia and Angus Buhagiar.
Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, was boosted by the return of Brazilian striker Ribeiro who led the team's attack with Denni offering support to his fellow countryman. Justin Grioli and Kurt Magro were ruled out by a one-match ban.
Birkirkara were off to a strong start. After only two minutes, Karl Pulo found himself in ample space but his low drive rolled wide.
A minute later, the woodwork denied the Stripes when Paul Fenech exchanged passes with Michael Galea and his fierce volley smacked against the crossbar with Tarxien keeper Anthony Curmi beaten.
It was all Birkirkara in these opening stages. On 15 minutes, Sylvano Comvalius unleashed a powerful drive that flew just over.
However, it was the Rainbows who took the lead on 17 minutes when, in a swift break, Ribeiro evaded the challenge of Nikola Vukanac before serving Denni who flicked the ball towards Gianluca Calabretta and the latter steered the ball past Jorge Mora.
The Rainbows' joy was shortlived as two minutes later, Carlo Mamo's cross found Shaun Bajada who headed past Curmi for Birkirkara's equaliser.
On 26 minutes, the Rainbows threatened again when Denni again outpaced the Birkirkara defenders but the Brazilian was anticipated by the onrushing Mora.
This was just a temporary reprieve for the Stripes as on 27 minutes the Rainbows regained their lead.
Denni was again the architect as the Brazilian burst past two defenders before serving the sprinting Calabretta who again placed the ball past Mora.
The Rainbows should have added a third on 38 minutes when Ribeiro put Denni clean through. The Brazilian forward tried to chip the ball over Mora instead of advancing but his lob finished just over.
After the half-time break, the Stripes attacked from the outset. Six minutes into the second half, Pulo was first to Mallia's free-kick but his header flashed wide.
Birkirkara's task was further compounded when Tarxien increased their lead eight minutes into the second half. From a Denni free-kick, Ribeiro anticipated Mora to head the ball into the net.
The Stripes were clearly shell-shocked and on 56 minutes, Denni's curling drive brought the best out of Mora.
Birkirkara clawed one back on 59 minutes. They were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area and Bajada curled the ball into the top corner of the net.
At this stage, Coleiro roped in veteran midfielder David Camilleri for the tiring Lee Galea as he looked to add more strength to his team's engine room.
On 63 minutes, Pulo raced clear on the left before sending a low cross towards Michael Galea whose shot was blocked by Curmi. The ball fell to Fenech whose stinging drive was pushed over by the Tarxien keeper.
Curmi again saved the Rainbows on 67 minutes when he showed excellent reflexes to block Pulo's header from a Fenech cross.
The Rainbows were still dangerous through swift breaks and on 73 minutes, Ribeiro dashed into the area but his low shot was repelled by Mora.
Birkirkara stormed into Tarxien in the final stages. Nine minutes from time, Pulo was again denied by Curmi who dived to his left to block the Birkirkara striker's header.
The Stripes' perseverance finally paid off five minutes from time when Bajada's free-kick was diverted into the path of substitute Alan Tabone who lifted the ball for Galea to head the ball past Curmi.
Comvalius could have won it for Birkirkara in time added-on but his half-volley crashed against the bar.
While Birkirkara dropped their first points in the Championship Pool, the draw ended a run of three consecutive defeats for the Rainbows and boosted their morale ahead of Wednesday's Anniversary Cup semi-final against Valletta.
Tarxien Rainbows: A. Curmi-7.5, M. Caruana-6.5, G. Calabretta-7 ('76 R. Grech), Everton-6.5, A. Ribeiro-7, M. Tanti-7 ('83 S. Sadowski), A. Decesare-6, L. Vella Critien-6.5, Denni-7, R. Mintoff-6, L. Galea-6 ('60 D. Camilleri-5.5).
Birkirkara: J. Mora-6, P. Fenech-6.5, K. Pulo-7 ('83 A. Tabone), N. Vukanac-5.5, B. Nisevic-5, C. Mamo-5.5, G. Mallia-5.5 ('62 T. Paris-6), S. Bajada-6.5, A. Buhagiar-6.5 ('89 J. Zerafa), M. Galea-7, S. Comvalius-6.5.
Referee: Andre Arciola.
Yellow cards: Denni; Ribeiro; L. Galea; Fenech; Decesare; Buhagiar; Grech, Mamo.
BoV player of the match: Anthony Curmi (Tarxien).