Birkirkara returned to winning ways in the VBET Malta Premier as they defeated Żabbar St Patrick 2-0 to end a three-match winless run.

The Stripes, who had collected just one point from their previous three outings following defeats to Mosta and Sliema Wanderers and a draw with Hibernians, secured the three points through goals from Franklin Sasere and Pablo Gabriel.

Żabbar, meanwhile, suffered their third defeat in six matches and have now gone four consecutive games without a victory.

The Saints made the brighter start and enjoyed the better share of possession during the opening stages, with Shelom Magri firing wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Vinicius Mendonca then went close after taking advantage of a short clearance from Zach Muscat, but his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Joao Mafra also tried his luck from outside the area in the 17th minute, sending his shot just wide.

Birkirkara gradually settled into the encounter and threatened two minutes later when Muscat headed narrowly wide from a Pablo Gabriel corner.

The Stripes created another opportunity seven minutes before the interval when Fernandinho’s effort was deflected behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Frazan’s header was saved by Żabbar goalkeeper Mohorovic.

Birkirkara eventually broke the deadlock after the referee reviewed an incident involving Strahinja Jovancic and Muscat inside the penalty area through the Football Video Support system.

A penalty was awarded for Jovancic’s challenge, and Sasere made no mistake from the spot to put the Stripes ahead before half-time.

The second half was interrupted almost immediately after the restart when a floodlight failure forced the match to be suspended for around ten minutes.

Once play resumed, Birkirkara continued to look dangerous and came close to doubling their advantage in the 62nd minute.

Amarildo controlled a pass from Aleksandar Djordjevic before unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area which struck the crossbar.

Żabbar attempted to find a way back into the contest, but Birkirkara held firm and eventually sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Sasere headed the ball towards substitute Louis Pahama, who rounded two opponents before setting up Pablo Gabriel to fire past Mohorovic and make it 2-0.

The result provided a timely boost for Birkirkara as they returned to winning ways, while Żabbar’s search for a first victory in five matches continues.

VBET Malta Premier – Opening Round

Birkirkara 2 (Sasere pen, Pablo Gabriel 90+2)

Żabbar St Patrick 0