Birkirkara defeated in first match of the new season

by Ayrton Galea - 21st June 2010

In the first match of the Euro Challenge Cup, Birkirkara suffered a 1-3 loss against Sliema W.

In a match that suffered the effects of strong winds, the level of football reached was rather poor, with the 'Blues' being the better team for most of the time.

For 'The Stripes' Nikola Vukanac and Sylvano Comvalius were returning to our team after being on holiday, and Andrew Decesare was making his debut.

Birkirkara fielded two new foreign players, Brazilian goalkeeper Esequiel Lovizon, and Italian striker Jacopo Camilli.

Sliema started as the more aggressive side and after just fourteen minutes they could easily have scored when former Birkirkara player, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza advanced all alone, but his final shot was neutralized by the post.

Birkirkara replied when a cross by Trevor Cilia connect with a header by Michael Galea, but this was saved by Sliema's new signing Viktor Szentpeteri.

On the 31st minute, the 'Blues' managed to take the lead when again, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza managed to beat the offside trap, advanced into the box before putting the ball into the net.

Five minutes later 'The Stripes' could have equalised matters when a long distance shot from Shaun Bajada was saved by Viktor Szentpeteri and off the rebound Michael concluded with a poor effort that once again was saved by the Sliema goalkeeper.

The half time score was 1-0 for the 'Blues'

The second half was better for the 'The Stripes' as they tried to achieve the equalizer, but on the 48th minute Sliema doubled the lead. Another new signing of Sliema Wanderers, Valdo Alhino, managed to beat Esequiel Lovizon, after hitting the post with a powerful shot from outside the box.

Birkirkara reduced the gap after six minutes when a pass from Alan Tabone found Shaun Bajada who placed the ball in, and his shot managed to beat the Sliema goalie.

Birkirkara now was taking the game in their hands, and continued to press for the equalizer and on the 64 minutes, Alan Tabone's effort ended wide.

On the 74th minute, Shaun Bajada was shown the red card presumably for hitting an opponent.

The Wanderers ended Birkirkara's hopes on the 90th minute when veteran Noel Turner managed to beat 'The Stripes' goalie for the 3rd time in the match.

Birkirkara will now face Valletta next Wednesday at the Centernary Stadium. The match will kick off at 18.15.

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