Birkirkara-2, Qormi-0

Birkirkara ended their first phase commitments on a high after beating Qormi 2-0 this afternoon to go top of the table, two points ahead of Valletta who have a game in hand.

As points will be halved at the end of the first phase, Birkirkara's victory means that they will start the Championship Pool with 20 points, the same as Valletta, provided the latter beat bottom side Dingli Swallows on Monday.

The first half produced few scoring chances but Birkirkara surged ahead after 21 minutes. Trevor Cilia sped forward on the right before putting in an excellent cross towards the far post. Michael Galea, the Birkirkara captain, headed the ball towards the unmarked Karl Pulo who made no mistake from close range.

Qormi had been subdued in the opening stages but they came close to an equaliser on 29 minutes. Matthew Bartolo's quick pass to Alfred Effiong caught Birkirkara's defence on the wrong foot as Qormi's Nigerian striker sped past Branko Nisevic but his shot was beaten away by Jorge Mora, the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

Early in the second half, Galea shot wide after getting on the end of Shaun Bajada's corner. Birkirkara doubled their lead on 66 minutes when Ramon's penalty-box clearance was blocked by Cilia who picked up the loose ball and drilled his shot past Farrugia.

Steve Meilak, a second-half substitute, came closest to reducing the deficit for Qormi but Birkirkara's win never looked in doubt.

Cilia, the Birkirkara winger, was named BOV player of the match.