Buoyant Stripes to face West Ham United FC
by Ayrton Galea - 23rd July 2015
Birkirkara FC will be aiming to achieve a historic qualification to the third round of the UEFA Europa League, but their task is anything but easy, as they have to overcome a one-goal disadvantage in this evening's match against West Ham United FC.
A late goal by James Tomkins gave the Hammers a narrow victory at a packed Boleyn Ground in the first-leg played on Thursday. However, it was the Stripes who were the talk of the town as their gritty performance the general Maltese Football followers with optimism, that the Stripes can overcome what many rate as an impossible task.
Birkirkara have already defied the odds by leaving everything open for the home game, and boosted by their outstanding display away from home, they will be seeking to write a new page in the Maltese football to reach the third qualification round of the UEFA Europa League, an achievement which no Maltese club has achieved.
Fabrizio Miccoli, Rowen Muscat and Paul Fenech are all expected to make it on time for today's match, but Coach Giovanni Tedesco, will have to do without the suspended Terence Vella, and the injured trio of Gareth Sciberras, Ryan Scicluna and Shola Shodiya. Edward Herrera is also still unavailable.
The match officials for this match will be from Albania with Enea Jorgji appointed as the match's referee, helped by his assistants Ridiger Çokaj and Astrit Mahmuti. The match's fourth official will be Kridens Meta.
Birkirkara FC would like to appeal to all its supporters to encourage the team, while showing respect to their opponents. Matches like today's should be a showcase of tolerance and friendship. Racism has no place anywhere, but especially not in football. Use of pyrotechnics, flares, or gasses or any such materials are strictly prohibited by UEFA, and any abuse will result in heavy fines, and possibly other sanctions against the Club.
The match will be played at the National Stadium and it is scheduled to kick off at 20:45. Ticket booths will open at the stadium at 19:30. Free Transport for the match is available from Birkirkara FC's Clubhouse, the Infetti Training Centre, Duke of Connaught's Own Band Club, Santa Helena's Band Club, and from near the Maltco outlet in the Birkirkara by-pass, at 19:15.
Come on the Stripes!
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