Birkirkara beat Hibernians

by Ayrton Galea - 25th September 2010

A dramatic goal by Emiliano Lattes in the 90th minute enabled Birkirkara to pick up maximum points as the "Yellow-Reds" managed to beat Hibernians to the tune of 2-1.

Birkirkara were back in their form as it was another satisfying performance and it was no wonder that 'The Stripes' managed to beat Mark Miller's side.

For the third consecutive time, Birkirkara had several players missing as Nikola Vukanac was ruled out suspended, while Esequiel Lovizon, Keith Fenech and captain Michael Galea were all injured. Alan Tabone was back on the bench although he is not 100% match fit.

Hibernians opened the match as the most aggressive side and on the 4th minute they were denied from taking the lead thanks a good save by Manuel Bartolo who managed to catch the ball before Edward Herrera could shoot from close range.

Hardly a minute later, the team from Paola went close once again this time thanks to a good shot by Paul McManus which however ended wide.

On the 19th minute, Hibernians yet again almost took the lead when a header from Paul McManus anticipated the Birkirkara goaler, and seemed to open the score for his team. However, Patrick Borg cleared the ball which was only a short distance away from the goal line.

Birkirkara's first reply arrived after 23 minutes, from a good shot by Rowen Muscat which ended wide.

On the other side of the pitch, a direct freekick from Andrew Cohen also ended wide on the 33rd minute.

Trevor Cilia missed a golden opportunity on the 41st minute. Following a cross from Angus Buhagiar that was short cleared, Trevor Cilia shot from inside the box but it also ended wide.

Hibernians hit the upright on the 44th minute thanks to a powerful shot from Andrew Cohen.

Two minutes in added time, Birkirkara took the lead from a freekick that was taken quickly, found Terence Vella who rounded a defender before his wonderful rising shot ended in the top right hand corner of the goal and Mario Muscat had no chance in saving the shot.

In the second half, precisely on the 53rd minute, Edward Herrera went close to equalise for Hibernians with a fine shot after being served by the international player, Andrew Cohen.

Birkirkara replied with a good run from Emiliano Lattes before serving Trevor Cilia who had his shot blocked by Matt Clarke.

Mario Muscat performed a wonderful save on Shaun Bajada's shot, as the MFA footballer of the year, rounded two players before firing a powerful shot which was blocked by the international goalkeeper.

Four minutes later, a good cross from Shaun Bajada was perfectly met by a header from Trevor Cilia, but was once again saved by Mario Muscat.

Manuel Bartolo almost did the impossible on the 69th minute when Triston Caruana fired a powerful shot which was turned into a corner kick in style from the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

Triston Caruana was in action again as his effort was parried by Manuel Bartolo when his freekick on the 74th minute ended over the bar.

On the 77th minute, a rising shot from Andrew Cohen was turned into a corner kick by Manuel Bartolo.

Hibernians were awarded for their effort on the 85th minute when a powerful shot by Andrew Cohen managed to beat 'The Stripes' goaler. The Hibernians side erupted in celebration.

Their joy was short lived. A few minutes later Karl Pulo rounded two players before serving Rowen Muscat, and Mario Muscat blocked his effort from close range. From the rebound Emiliano Lattes put Birkirkara in the lead again.

This was the second win out of three for 'The Stripes' which surely serves as a morale booster for both the players and the supporters for the upcoming hugely awaiting match which is scheduled to be played on Friday, 15th October against eternal rivals, Valletta.

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