Birkirkara maintained their relentless march towards the Premier League title on Thursday after cruising to a 3-1 victory over Qormi.
The win temporarily moved the Stripes seven points clear of Valletta but the latter reduced the deficit to four points after fighting back from a goal down to beat Hibs 3-1.
Three goals inside the opening 45 minutes ensured that Birkirkara stayed firmly on course to win the championship.
Sylvano Comvalius's well-struck free-kick gave Birkirkara the lead after 21 minutes and another well-taken brace by the in-form Trevor Cilia put them 3-0 up by the end of the first half.
Qormi scored a consolation goal 16 minutes from time when Massimo Grima's long-range screamer had the better of Jorge Mora, Birkirkara's Spanish goalkeeper.
On Friday, Valletta suffered an early shock when Andrew Hogg committed a bizarre own goal.
The City goalkeeper swerved the ball into his own net as he attempted to deliver a pass towards Kenneth Scicluna.
Michael Mifsud eased Valletta's nerves when hitting an equaliser on 32 minutes, his seventh goal in the last three matches, and Terrence Scerri fired them ahead with a perfectly-hit shot 18 minutes from the end. Dutch veteran Jordi Cruyff sealed Valletta's win when hitting home from close range with 15 minutes remaining.
Sliema Wanderers halted their losing streak as quick goals from Ryan Fenech and Julio Alcorse gave them a 2-0 win over Tarxien Rainbows. Thanks to their win, the Blues moved level with Qormi in third place on 27 points.
In the Relegation Pool, Ħamrun Spartans returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Dingli Swallows. Marcelo Pereira opened the scoring for the Spartans but Roderick Spiteri equalised for the Swallows 10 minutes from half-time. Nigerian Obinna Obifuele scored the Spartans' winner when he converted a penalty 16 minutes from time.
Msida St Joseph started their game with Floriana on minus one point after they were docked 10 points over unpaid wages to former players and an ex-coach. The Saints conceded after barely a minute as Ryan Darmanin broke the deadlock for Floriana but a late goal from Iro Curmi rescued a point for the relegated Saints.