SLIEMA WANDERERS 0
BIRIRKARA 1
Montebello 90
A late Luke Montebello goal gave Birkirkara a timely boost as the Stripes effected their second coaching change of the season when Mark Buttigieg replaced the resigning John Arne Riise.
Openings were rare and Birkirkara’s greater insistance through gave a lasting twist to a contest which looked delicately poised.
Birkirkara had the ball into the Sliema net on 88 minutes when Michael Mifsud slid the ball home but the ‘goal’ was annulled as the Stripes forward was in an offside position.
But the Stripes were rewarded for their late second half sparkle when Montebello, cashing in on a ghastly Michele Sansone clearance, took the loose ball before hitting in at the top corner.
Ryan Fenech of Sliema Wanderers was named BOV Player of the Match.