Under 15s' Promotion Hopes Dashed Out After Draw With Zebbug

by Jonathan Spiteri - 17th May 2013

Birkirkara Under 15's flailing hopes of regaining second place in the table, which would mean promotion to Section A, were given a deadly blow when they only managed a 1-1 draw with Zebbug Rangers at the Rabat Ground. With Qormi winning their own game, they are now out of the Stripes' reach. Once again Coach Mr Carmel Micallef had a headache trying to assemble a competitive starting eleven, having to play an outfield player in goal for the second consecutive day.

During the first half, the wind was blowing from Birkirkara's back, and this helped to put the opponents under pressure. The first glorious opportunity fell at the feet of Jamie Zerafa who saw his shot from just a few meters out end high over the bar. The YellowReds were determined to take the lead before half time, knowing that the wind would be against them in the second half. Luck did not favour them though as a shot by Ryan Muscat crashed against the crossbar. Zebbug managed to hold on from then onwards to keep Birkirkara at bay until half time.

Ironically enough, Birkirkara played better and more intricate football with the wind blowing in their faces. After squandering another goalscoring opportunity, our boys managed to break the deadlock 15 minutes into the second half when a low pass found Ryan Muscat who slotted home following a good run. Birkirkara knew that one goal was not enough and pressed on in search for a second goal that would have all but sealed the issue. In fact scoring chances came thick and fast, but the finishing left much to be desired, and as if there was an unwritten rule, failing to kill the game came back to haunt Birkirkara as Zebbug found an equaliser out of nowhere. A strong shot from a free kick could not be held by the goalkeeper. The Stripes threw caution to the wind, as they knew that nothing less than a victory would suffice. They had a penalty appeal for a foul on Owen Amato turned down in the dying stages, much to everyones dismay. This decision effected the boys' morale and were unable to find a way throug the Greens' defence for a 1-1 final score.

Mr Micallef's disappointment was evident at the end of the match, which saw his team's promotion ambitions come to nothing. “It is disappointing not to reach our main target, that of getting promoted, but I am please with the improvement some of my players when compared to the start of the season. I would like to thank all those who showed belief and gave us support during the season.” The next commitment for the Under 15s will be at St Patricks' Ground in Zabbar against the local side on Saturday 18th May kick off time 14:45.

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