Birkirkara take sole leadership

by Matthaeus Grasso - 13th March 2010

Birkirkara are the new sole leaders of the BOV Premier League 2009-2010 season, after securing the first win in three years against the current champions, Hibernians.

Our side has managed to beat the 'Paolites' by just the odd goal in three, whilst co-leaders and eternal rivals Valletta, stumbled to a 2-1 loss against Sliema Wanderers.

From the very first whistle, the 'Stripes', who were missing the services of Carlo Mamo due to suspension, came out determined to fight for each and every ball and were constantly looking to beat the Hibernians defence which was led by the usual Mario Muscat, who was as solid as always in the opposing goal.

After a number of long range efforts, the boys from Valley Road opened the scoring through Sylvano Comvalius who was on the receiving-end of a low cross, and had no problem in slotting low past the Hibernians keeper.

Soon after, young midfielder Rowen Muscat had his shot from distance well-saved by Muscat.

With our team still dictating play, the referee blew his whistle three times, to signal the end of the first half.

During the second half, Birkirkara kept on building on their possession, but the Hibs defence seemed in fine form, and didn't let any of our side's play turn into goals.

Fifteen minutes from the end, Jonathan Caruana could have created big problems for Birkirkara if his ferocious shot swung a little bit to the left, but luckily for us, the ball hit the upright and went wide.

The Birkirkara supporters were now starting to fear the worst, but at the same time were conscious that the team was just a few minutes away from an important victory. On the 83rd minute, the Birkirkara side erupted again, as Alan Tabone's corner kick from the left, found Michael Galea, who managed to head the ball in to make it 2-0.

With our team still celebrating the second goal, Jonathan Caruana was served in our box, and managed to control and slot the ball in the net to temporarily re-open the match.

Despite some attempts by Hibernians to score again, especially in the never-ending four minutes of stoppage time, the equalizing goal never arrived, and so Birkirkara managed to put in another three crucial points in the bag.

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