Birkirkara 2

Hamrun 1

Birkirkara had to dig deep into their reserves before lowering the colours of a battling Hamrun Spartans side in an entertaining encounter at the National Stadium this afternoon.

The Stripes were tipped as firm favourites to bag their second win of the campaign against a Spartans side who were making their first appearance in the Premier League following their sudden promotion to the top flight. Sylvano Comvalius put the Stripes ahead after eight minutes and one here thought that the Stripes were set for a field day.

But that was certainly not the case as the Spartans launched a stirring fightback which saw them not only pull level through Marcelo Perreira on 25 minutes but they also had several chances to go in front.

However, their profligacy in front of goal was punished by the Stripes who netted a vital second goal on the stroke of half-time through man-of-the-match George Mallia for a hard-fought win.

Manolito Micallef was sent off in time added on after a clash with Birkirkara goalkeeper Jorge Mora.