U19 Stripes stun Pieta with impressive comeback

by Ayrton Galea - 7th November 2013

Birkirkara Under-19's team showed great character on Wednesday evening as they came back from two goals down to beat Pieta Hotspurs with a score of 3-2 to maintain their joint leadership in the Youths League Section A.

The match turned out to be an exciting affair. Pieta Hotspurs scored two goals in the first-half to build a comfortable lead, but the Stripes showed great resilience to turn the match around and to extend their winning streak to four matches.

Coach Mr. Peter Pullicino had no easy task at half-time to motivate his players as the Stripes were down by two goals, but the players responded in an excellent way. Kurt Zammit extended his solid performances by netting another brace. The other promising youngster, Antoine Borg, who was called to the senior team two matches ago, scored the other goal.

A fine header by Kurt Zammit and a powerful shot from outside the box by Antoine Borg cancelled the Hotspurs lead of the first-half, and the match seemed to be heading to a draw.

However, the Stripes had other ideas, and their excellent attitude was rewarded. Under-17's player Clint Zammit who was included in the second half as a substitute was floored inside the box and the referee had no choice than to order a penalty kick. Prolific scorer Kurt Zammit notched the winner by converting from the spot, amidst the joy of the Birkirkara clan who saw victory coming their way in the dying moments of the match.

Thanks to this win, the Stripes are leading the table with Hamrun Spartans with twelve points, followed by Valletta with nine. Following a two weeks pause, the Stripes will be then involved in another difficult test when they face St. Andrew's on Thursday, 28 November.

First Eleven: Justin Tonna, Beppe Jaccarini, Dylan Gouder, Leon Muscat, McAllister Clinch, Jonathan Licari, Leon Zammit, Roderick Taliana, Antoine Borg, Kurt Zammit, Russell Gatt De Raffaele.

Substitutes: Clint Zammit, Andrea Curmi, Christian Briffa.

Yellow Cards: McAllister Clinch.

Scorers: Kurt Zammit (2), Antoine Borg.

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