Birkirkara held to another draw

by Ayrton Galea - 5th November 2010

For the fourth consecutive time, Birkirkara failed to grab the maximum points as this time they were held in a 1-1 draw by Vittoriosa Stars. Birkirkara's performance did not satisfy the majority of the clan, since once again we witnessed a low level of football except for the last five minutes.

The match could easily have been won by 'The Stripes'. They dominated the first half, creating several chances but they failed to turn this into the all important goals. A goal in the 61st minute by the newly-promoted side, saw Birkirkara close to losing the game, but thanks to a goal by Nikola Vukanac, Birkirkara managed to at least grab a point.

Although as said earlier, Birkirkara dominated the first half it was only in the 30th minute that Birkirkara almost opened the score, when a close-range shot by Emiliano Lattes was blocked by Simon Aguis. Ironically, it was the only opportunity that the Birkirkara's forward line managed convert in a shot on target. Shots by Michael Galea and Terence Vella, who both had a good opportunity to open the score, did not manage to hit the target.

On the 51st minute, the former Hibernians player who is now playing for Vittoriosa, Leighton Grech, had a good run but his shot was neutralised by Michael Fraser.

Three minutes later, a long distance shot by Paul Fenech was parried by the goalkeeper.

Shaun Bajada, was returning from an ankleinjury, entered the field on the 56th minute. He replaced Simon Zahra, who was producing another good performance.

On the 61st minute, Vittoriosa managed to take the lead. A cross from the right by Leighton Grech, was perfectly met by Jorge Santos Silva, and his first time effort did not gave Michael Fraser a chance to save.

The match continued on a slow note, but in the last five minutes, Birkirkara did everything to salvage something from the match. A shot from Emiliano Lattes hit the woodwork. One minute later, it was another shot by Emiliano Lattes which was turned in style by Simon Aguis into a corner kick. The Argentine was in action again when a shot from outside the box, was deflected by Simon before hitting the upright.

On the other side of the pitch, Vittoriosa almost made it 2-0 when it was their turn to hit the post. Edison Luis Dos Santos' effort hit the post with the ball ended in a goal kick for 'The Stripes'.

Birkirkara were rewarded for their efforts in the 93rd minute as a precise freekick by Shaun Bajada found Nikola Vukanac who slotted the ball home.

One minute later, the linesman signalled the referee when Edison Luis Dos of Vittoriosa was seen hitting Joseph Zerafa in an off the ball incident. The referee did not hesitate to give marching orders to Edison, leaving Vittoriosa with ten men on the pitch. However, this was too late in the game to have any effect on the outcome.

This was the second consecutive draw, and the fourth match without a win, for Birkirkara and they have only managed to grab three points from their last four outings.

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