Under-17's Team back on track

by Ayrton Galea - 22nd January 2017

Birkirkara FC Under-17's Team scored a goal in each half by Karl Caruana and Paul Mbong to register a fine 2-0 victory over San Gwann FC in the first match of the second round of the APS Bank Under-17's League Section A.

The Stripes were the better side throughout the 80 minutes of play but found a hard nut to crack in San Gwann in view of their deep defending. However, a goal in each half were enough for them to return to winning ways after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Pieta Hotspurs in their last match.

The First Half

The first goal scoring opportunity was created on the twelfth minute when Paul Mbong cut to the centre and his left-footed shot ended wide by inches. Then, good combination play from the Stripes opened a space for Ayrton Attard but his shot from the limits of the penalty area went high.

Birkirkara took the lead two minutes from the end of the first half. Paul Mbong delivered an accurate corner kick that saw Karl Caruana rising high to hit a fine header past San Gwann goalkeeper Jake Pisani to break the dead-lock at the perfect time.

The Second Half

Birkirkara opened the second half well and they doubled the score after eight minutes. Michele Vella served Paul Mbong and his short from outside the box beat the San Gwann goalkeeper to build a comfortable two-goal cushion for his side.

In the last minutes of the match, the Stripes could have added a third through Nicholas Farrugia and Ayrton Attard but Farrugia's shot was parried by Jake Pisani whist Attard's two efforts went wide by inches.

Birkirkara will be next in action in the knock-out competition on Sunday, 29 January when they will take-on Hamrun Spartans FC. The match will be played at the Dingli Grounds and it will kick off at 10:45.

BIRKIRKARA: Amara Sylla, Ethan Lethridge, Lian Formosa, Nick Farrugia, Ayrton Attard, Karl Caruana, Braden Calleja, Glenn Attard, Neil Friggieri, Michele Vella, Paul Mbong (75' Chris Mula).

Scorers: 38' Karl Caruana, 48' Paul Mbong.

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