Birkirkara FC trash Marsaxlokk FC

by Ayrton Galea - 12th March 2011

Birkirkara climbed to second place thanks to a great performance as 'The Stripes' trashed Marsaxlokk with a score of 4-1.

Birkirkara were the best team in the field from the word go. If someone thought that the goal by Marsaxlokk's Alfred Effiong could change the game, he was mistaken.

Mr. Paul Zammit had to do some changes in his selection from last week's match against Valletta, since Shaun Bajada, Rowen Muscat and Michael Fraser were all injured.

Emiliano Lattes and Patrick Borg were left on the bench. The back four were Angus Buhagiar as a right back, Nikola Vukanac and Joseoh Zerafa as central defenders and Andrew Decesare as a left back. Paul Fenech, Ryan Scicluna and Andrei Agius were forming the midfield. Ibrahim Babatunde, Trevor Cilia and Michael Galea was chosen to form the attacking department. Manuel Bartolo was making his return in the first eleven. His last appearance was on the 24th October against the same Marsaxlokk.

Birkirkara opened the match searching for an early goal. A corner from the right by Trevor Cilia was met by Andrei Agius but his header was saved by Rueben Gauci.

Birkirkara continued to be the best team in the field. They were awarded for their efforts on the 36th minute. A perfect pass by Ibrahim Babatunde found Ryan Sciclunas and his low shot hit past Rueben Gauci. This was the first goal for Ryan Scicluna in the Premier League.

'The Stripes' continued on the attacking side and two minutes from the end of the first half Birkirkara doubled the lead. A cross from the right was headed by Trevor Cilia but it was blocked by Rueben Gauci. Michael Galea made the best from the rebound when he served Ibrahim Babatunde who scored his first goal with the yellow-red shirt.

The first half ended 2-0 for the present Champions.

The second half was played on a slower tempo especially the first minutes.

In the first substitution for Birkirkara, Emiliano Lattes replaced Trevor Cilia.

On the 70th minute, a cross short by Florent Raimy was saved by Manuel Bartolo. From the rebound Alfred Effiong tried his luck but Manuel Bartolo neutralised the danger.

Two became three for Birkirkara. A cross from the right was not met by any Birkirkara strikers. Ryan Scicluna managed to save the ball from going into throw-in, entered the box and served Michael Galea whose powerful shot beat Rueben Gauci for the third time.

Mr. Paul Zamit made two substitutions. On the 82nd minute Rodolfo Kumbrevicius replaced Michael Galea and on the 87th minute Terence Vella replaced Angus Buhagiar.

Marsaxlokk pulled one back on the 88th minute. Off a cross by Martin Deanov, the ball was headed but Manuel Bartolo saved without holding the ball. The ball seemed to be crossing the line. Manuel Bartolo tried to clear the danger with his foot but the ball hit Andrew Decesare and crossed the goal line.

The two goal margin lasted for only one minute. A good solo run by Emiliano Lattes was concluded by a low shot which beat the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper for the fourth time.

The full time whistle saw the Birkirkara supporters applauding all the players for a five-star performance while hoping this is the beginning of a series of great performances.

Andrei Agius was named the BOV player of the match.

This win enabled Birkirkara to climb to the second place with two points more than Marsaxlokk and one more than Floriana. The latter will be involved tomorrow in the derby of Malta when they play against Valletta.

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