Stripes hit four past Zebbug

by Ayrton Galea - 24th August 2014

Birkirkara FC demolished Zebbug Rangers FC challenge on Saturday afternoon as the magnificent performance of Leighton Grech and the forward Brazilian trio of Morais, Gonzaga and Ledesma lead them to a comfortable 4-0 result, to register their second consecutive win in the BOV Premier League.

A goal by the BOV Player of the Match, Leighton Grech after just fifty-eighth seconds set Birkirkara on cruising mode before the Brazilian forward trio combined beautifully to score a goal each in the second half to hand Birkirkara a comfortable victory.

Mr. Paul Zammit fielded an offensive 3-4-1-2 formation and made just one change from last Saturday's match as Leighton Grech replaced Edward Herrera. Haber defended the posts, while the three-line defence featured Zach Muscat, Vukanac and Bissi. Grech and Camenzuli patrolled the wing-backs, supporting Scicluna and Fenech. Ledesma took the usual position roaming behind the two strikers, Eliandro Gonzaga and Ellintoin Morais.

Goalkeeper Ini Akpan, defender Joseph Zerafa and midfield duo, Gareth Sciberras and Edmond Agius were all missing for the Stripes as they are all recovering from an injury.

The First Half

Birkirkara launched the match in style and surged ahead after just fifty-three seconds. Ellinton Morais played an excellent through pass to Leighton Grech, who beat the offside trap, raced forward and hit past the Zebbug goalkeeper, Fabricio Rapchan.

The Stripes remained strong and on the third minute, Paul Fenech had a threatening strike from inside the box scratching past the far post. Then, fifteen minutes later, Morais served Camenzuli but his shot ended over.

Mid-way through the first half, Rafael Ledesma saw his direct corner kick smashing against the crossbar. Just a minute later, Eliandro's back-heel pass found Scicluna in an ideal position inside the box, but his shot flew over.

Ten minutes from half-time, Morais picked-up a pass and raced forward before having his low cross connected by Eliandro Gonzaga, who from a tight angle saw his effort ending wide by inches. Three minutes later, Ledesma had a direct free-kick ending over.

Zebbug threatened for the first time five minutes from half time, when Mattias Muchardi had a direct free-kick ending over, without troubling much the Birkirkara goalkeeper, Justin Haber.

Birkirkara went close to score their second goal on the forty-first minute, when Zach Muscat had a dangerous pass penetrating inside the box, but Morais had his close-range effort blocked by goalkeeper Rapchan.

However, Morais was quick to pay for the previous missed scoring opportunity as two minutes from half-time, Birkirkara made them two. Leighton Grech's speed was key, as he raced down the right wing before setting-up a perfect second post cross which saw Morais hitting home past Rapchan.

Zebbug had no time to react and Marco Borg's half-time whistle found Birkirkara leading by two goals thanks to goals by Grech and Morais.

The Second Half

There was a slow start to the second half as Birkirkara continued where they left off in the first half by enjoying most of the possession but struggling to penetrate as Zebbug opted to continue to defend in numbers.

Justin Haber made a fine block off a powerful free-kick from the left. A minute later Birkirkara replied with a close-range effort ending over.

Birkirkara made them three twenty minutes inside the second half. Leighton Grech was in action once again by providing an excellent through ball in the direction of Eliandro Gonzaga who raced forward, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home.

Mr. Paul Zammit effected the first substitution on the seventieth minute when Edward Herrera was included for Ellinton Morais.

Fifteen minutes from time, three became four. Eliandro Gonzaga dribbled past two players inside the box and he was floored in the area, with Referee Marco Borg ordering the penalty-kick. From the eleven metres spot, Ledesma made no mistake.

Ten minutes from time, Mr. Paul Zammit effected the second and third changes. Rafael Ledesma was replaced by Alejandro Mendoza and Leighton Grech was replaced by Antoine Borg.

On the eighty-fifth minute, Muchardi won possession from Scicluna in the midfield, raced forward and his low strike ended wide.

In the last remaining minutes, Birkirkara easily controlled possession and Referee Marco Borg's full-time whistle found the Stripes notching their second consecutive victory with a comfortable 4-0 score.

BIRKIRKARA: Justin Haber, Matheus Bissi, Nikola Vukanac, Zach Muscat, Ryan Scicluna, Paul Fenech, Ryan Camenzuli, Leighton Grech (80' Antoine Borg), Rafael Ledesma (80' Alejandro Mendoza), Ellinton Morais (70' Edward Herrera), Eliandro Gonzaga.

ZEBBUG: Fabricio Rapchan, Jacob Borg, Javier Diaz, Matthew Gauci, Yessous Camilleri, Clifford Gauci, Matthew Bartolo (67' Miguel Ciantar), Carlo Monti, Thomas Paris (61' Lee James Agius), Mauricio Osmar Britto (67' Craig Beattie), Mattias Mucardi.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Sammy Attard.

Fourth Official: Mario Apap.

Yellow Cards: 55' Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara), Javi Dias, Jacob Borg (Zebbug Rangers).

Scorers: 1' Leighton Grech, 43' Ellinton Morais, 65' Eliandro Gonzaga, 75' Rafael Ledesma (Birkirkara).

BOV Player of the Match: Leighton Grech.

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