Women: Birkirkara FC 2-0 Kirkop United FC

by Ayrton Galea - 3rd April 2018

Birkirkara FC Women's Team returned to winning ways in the BOV Women's League, when in a match that they dictated matters for long stretches, they defeated Kirkop United FC with a 2-0 score.

Coming from a narrow 1-0 defeat against Hibernians, all eyes were on the Stripes. However, the Stripes didn't let down. They produced a commanding performance and although it was an own goal that paved the way for their victory, they were superior for long stretches.

Coach Melania Bajada made two changes from the last match. Goalkeeper Nina Dimech replaced the injured Janice Xuereb between the posts while Sarah Urpani was preferred of Joselene Gafa. Mariah Sciberras joined Kelly Agius Pace and Michela Felice on the side-lines.

The First Half

The Stripes made their intentions clear to notice right from the start. Yasmeen Vella served Alishia Sultana inside the box and the latter did well to control the ball and avoid her marker, but her shot from an ideal position was deflected into a corner kick.

Pushing forward from midfield, towering midfielder Gabriella Zahra surged forward unmarked before she hit a fine strike from outside the box, but goalkeeper Sharon Costantino blocked her attempt.

Forward Raina Giusti unzipped the defence towards the on-running Gabriella Zahra inside the box and the latter did well to dribble past her marker, but her low-shot was turned into a corner kick by Costantino.

Zahra was playing a key-role in Birkirkara's superiority over their opponents and she was denied from breaking the dead-lock again five minutes from half-time. The mobile midfielder once again hit a powerful shot from distance that was denied by Costantino.

The Second Half

Coach Melania Bajada roped-in youngster Veronique Mifsud at the start of the second half as she replaced Sarah Urpani. Mifsud was included as a central-midfielder with Kim Parnis given the nod to lead the attack.

The Stripes deservingly surged ahead six minutes inside the second half. Gabriella Zahra's cross-shot surprised the Kirkop United goalkeeper to give her side the lead.

Confident following the opening goal, the Stripes went on to continue dictating matters. Raina Giusti produced a dazzling run down the left flank, but her shot ended wide by a whisker.

Playmaker Tracy Teuma made a fine solo-action, but her shot was blocked by goalkeeper Costantino and the veteran goalkeeper did once again to deny substitute Veronique Mifsud after the latter unleashed a fine strike from outside the box.

The Stripes doubled their lead and made sure of the three precious points fifteen minutes from the end. Raina Giusti delivered an inch-perfect corner kick and Captain Stephania Farrugia's bullet-header gave the goalkeeper no chance.

BIRKIRKARA: Nina Dimech, Samantha Zarb (62' Jelena Sakic), Ann-Marie Said, Stephania Farrugia, Yasmeen Vella, Gabriella Zahra, Kim Parnis, Tracy Teuma, Sarah Urpani (46' Veronique Mifsud), Alishia Sultana, Raina Giusti (77' Joselene Gafa)

Yellow Cards: 37' Alishia Sultana.

Scorers: 51' Gabriella Zahra, 75' Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara).

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