With Barbara in high demand he moved on from Floriana after four years of service, and joined ambitious newly promoted club Marsaxlokk on 25 January 2003. He scored 21 goals in 43 games. Following two successful years, and a series of impressive displays with Marsaxlokk, Barbara earned a move to join up with Birkirkara in January 2005. In two seasons, Barbara managed 31 goals in 59 appearances with Birkirkara, but was forced to leave the club in July 2007, when he was and teammate Roderick Briffa were deemed surplus to requirements, following a major reshuffle in the playing staff the club.