Birkirkara’s title aspirations suffered a blow when they were beaten by Hibernians 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter at the National Stadium.

It was a hard-fought victory for the Paolites who after taking an early lead showed great tactical organisation to keep away the Stripes forwards and held on to a priceless victory that boosts their hopes of securing European football this summer.

Hibs took the lead after 18 minutes when in a swift raid, Jackson Lima released Obinna Obiefule who raced inside the area before sending a low cross towards the sprinting Lima who bundled the ball into the net.

Birkirkara tried to get back in contention but their best chance in the first half came on the stroke of half-time when Ryan Scicluna picked Shola Haruna inside the area but the Nigerian’s effort was deviated to a corner by Scott Chircop.

The match maintained the same script at the start of the second half as Birkirkara continued to see more off the ball with the Paolites soaking the pressure and trying to hit their opponents with quick breaks on Luis Edison and Obiefule.

On 57 minutes, Birkirkara came agonisingly cross when from a central free-kick, Jhonnattann saw his curling drive blocked in two attempts by the diving Daniel Balzan with the aid of the woodwork.

Time was running out for the Stripes who were struggling to find any holes in the well-organised Hibs defence.

Two minutes from time, Pearson came to his team’s rescue when the Hibs centre-back effected a fine tackle on the unmarked substitute Ronaille to block the Brazilian’s attempt while a minute later Balzan palmed away Jhonnattann’s set-piece shot as the Paolites held on to a hard-fought victory.

Hibs defender Igor Radusinovic was voted as the BOV Player of the match.