Birkirkara move alone on top of the table

by Ayrton Galea - 25th November 2012

Birkirkara are now sole leaders of the Maltese Premier League as they moved one point ahead of Valletta despite held in a 2-2 draw by Balzan.

Following this 2-2 draw, Hibernians and Valletta both had the chance to move on top of the table but both failed to win their matches as they were defeated by Qormi and Mosta respectively.

The 2-2 score against Balzan definitely gave the wrong impression of the match as ‘The Stripes' dominated from start to finish but they paid a very high price for not making the best of the scoring chances they created.

Mr. Paul Zammit showed faith in last match's first eleven as the only change saw Reuben Gauci replacing Ini Akpan between the posts. Edward Herrera was back following a two game suspension.

On the other hand, Balzan had Yessous Camilleri unavailable and Stefan Giglio suspended. Jonathan Francica, who was back following a long term injury started out on the bench, like Cristian Caruana who was suffering from an ankle injury.

The First Half

Birkirkara started strongly and in less than a minute, Zach Muscat had a header cleared off the goal line following a fine corner kick.

On the fourth minute, Birkirkara had another fine opportunity when off a short clearance, Jhonnattann Benites had a powerful shot ending over.

Ryan Camenzuli had a powerful freekick on the 7th minute turned into a corner kick. Three minutes later, the same player had a great chance but his shot ended wide from an ideal position.

Birkirkara took the lead on the 13th minute. Paul Fenech served Jhonnattann Da Conceicao who in turn served perfectly Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, who beat Tabone with a powerful shot. This was Triganza's 100th goal in his career, and he celebrated by putting on a t-shirt to commemorate this achievement.

Birkirkara's joy was short-lived as against the run of the play, Balzan equalised four minutes later. Balzan scored thanks to Elton Da Silva who made the best out of Pedro Calcado's shot.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza had a fine shot somehow saved by Tabone and turned into a corner kick on the 19th minute.

Ryan Camenzuli almost scored an excellent goal on the 27th minute when off a perfect freekick the ball hit the crossbar.

Paul Fenech had a direct long distance shot saved by Tabone on the hour mark. Mifsud Trriganza, a minute later, had a fine shot ending wide.

Triganza had a fine header saved by Tabone on the 39th minute.

Birkirkara regained the deserved lead on the 44th minute. Off a perfect corner kick by the typical Camenzuli, Zach Muscat scored his first Premier League goal thanks to a brilliant header.

The first half ended with Birkirkara dominating for long stretches but their domination was not reflected in the score as the first forty five minutes ended with a 2-1 score for the leaders.

The Second Half

Both teams exchanged possession in the first minutes of the second half as both sides were aggressive on every ball.

Mifsud Triganza could have made them three on the 57th minute but his header ended over.

Ryan Camenzuli missed a great opportunity following lobbing over Tabone on the 59th minute following a perfect pass by Jhonnattann.

Pedro Calcado had a direct freekick ending wide on the hour mark. A minute later, Jhonnattann had a fine shot turned into a corner kick.

In the first substitution for Birkirkara, Edward Herrera replaced Ryan Camenzuli on the 67th minute.

Rodrigo Pereira made his debut following rejoining our Club when on the 76th minute he replaced Gareth Sciberras.

Pedro Calcado was close on the 83rd minute with a direct powerful freekick.

In the third substitution for Mr. Zammit's side, Ryan Scicluna replaced Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Birkirkara received a late sour surprise as they conceded a late equaliser on the 87th minute when Rennie Forace scored from a first time volley.

With no time left, Birkirkara failed to make any reaction and the match ended in a 2-2 score.

BIRKIRKARA: Reuben Gauci, Zach Muscat, Alejandro Mendoza, Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat, Ryan Camenzuli, Jhonnattann Benites, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

BALZAN: Fredrick Tabone, Jacob Borg, Rennie Forace, Renato Conceicao, Jamie Pace, Matthew Mendy, Bjorn Bondin, Dylan Grima, Martin Deyanov, Pedro Calcado, Eldton Da Silva.

Scorers: 13' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, 44' Zach Muscat (Birkirkara) 17' Elton Da Silva, 87' Rennie Forace (Balzan)

Yellow Cards: Rowen Muscat, Gareth Sciberras, Rodrigo Pereira, Ryan Scicluna

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