Birkirkara 3
Galea 45; Hartvig 69; Mifsud Triganza 76
Ħamrun Spartans 2
Comvalius 3, 59
Championship hopefuls Birkirkara kept their title challenge alive after seeing off Ħamrun Spartans' stubborn resistance to win a thrilling match.
The Stripes were made to chase the result after twice finding themselves a goal down before substitute Jean-Pierre Mifsud Triganza struck inside the last quarter to earn them three valuable points.
Struggling Ħamrun, who were without the suspended duo of Ryan Fenech and Roderick Fenech, deserved something better for their sprightly performance and fighting spirit. Their new signing Sylvano Comvalius notched a brace and was always a menace to the Stripes.
The two teams had contrasting fortunes in their last outing. While Ħamrun lost heavily to fellow relegation contenders Tarxien Rainbows, John Buttigieg's Birkirkara took to this match in high spirits following their good showing against champions Valletta in which they won a well deserved point.
Spoilt for choice with five foreigners in their rank, coach Buttigieg opted for the sturdy Ronnie Hartvig in defence as Bulgarian duo Ivalio Sokolov and Krasen Valkov were given the green light to start the match with latest signings Italian defender Mauro Di Lello and Bulgarian striker Kiril Dimitrov Mihaylov named as substitutes.
Three minutes into the proceedings, Comvalius dealt the Stripes a cold shower as he clinically beat Paris with a low shot after outwitting three defenders inside the area.
Midway through the first half, Birkirkara won a free-kick on the edge of the area. Shaun Bajada tried his luck with a lob that narrowly missed the target.
On 33 minutes, Ħamrun introduced Jonathan Bondin in lieu of Meilak as the ex-Valletta player made his debut for Stephen D'Amato's side.
Inside the last ten minutes of the first half, Birkirkara nearly levelled the score as Tabone's shot was partially saved by Casha and skipper Galea's shot from the rebound was cleared off the line by Aaron Attard.
The Stripes were eventually rewarded for their efforts on the stroke of half-time as Tabone broke free on the left and his perfect cross found Galea who headed the ball into the net.
One minute into the restart the Spartans should have restored their lead. Gaetan Spiteri did well to dart into the area before sliding a low cross towards substitute Bondin who belted the ball over the bar from close range.
On 49 minutes, the Spartans created another chance as Spiteri turned near converter with a delightful touch to the ball that anticipated Paris but flew just wide.
The sprightly start to the second half rewarded Ħamrun with the second goal close to the hour as skipper Mangion chipped an inch perfect pass towards Comvalius who did well to beat the offside trap and keep his cool to plant the ball into the net.
Shocked by this goal, Birkirkara sought to bounce back and they managed to restore parity on 69 minutes. Bajada's corner was met by Sokolov's thundering header as Mangion cleared the ball off the line with his arm but Hartvig was at hand to slot home from close range.
Buoyed by this comeback, Birkirkara surged forward in search of a winner and inside the last quarter Buttigieg's lads stormed in front for the first time during the match.
Another set-piece proved to be Ħamrun's undoing as Bajada floated his corner dangerously inside the area and substitute Mifsud Triganza flashed in with a thundering header that beat Casha.
In added time, Florin Anton thought he had done enough to win a point for his side as his perfect drive seemed destined for goal only for Paris to pull off a stunning save.
It could have been 4-2 with the last shot of the game as Bajada's free-kick rebounded off the crossbar but that would have been a too cruel an outcome for Ħamrun.
Birkirkara
B. Paris-6.5, T. Cilia-6.5, R. Hartvig-7, I. Sokolov-6, P. Fenech-6, S. Bajada-7.5, G. Mallia-6.5, J. Holland-6.5 ('70 K. Mihaylov), A. Tabone- 6.5 ('54 A. Buhagiar-6), M. Galea-6.5, K. Valkov-5.5 ('46 J. P. Mifsud Triganza-6.5).
Ħamrun Spartans
I. Casha-6, M. A. Bonnici-6, D. A. Cucciardi-6, Z. Levniac-6, A. Attard-6.5, S. Comvalius-7.5, S. Meilak-4.5 ('33 J. Bondin-6.5), R. Mangion-6.5, F. Anton-6, G. Spiteri-6.5, M. Micallef-6 ('79 S. Sultana).
Referee: Chris Lautier.
Yellow cards: Holland, Mallia, Hartvig, Mangion, Attard.
BoV player of the match: Sylvano Comvalius (Ħamrun Spartans).