Birkirkara and Qormi share the spoils in Carlsberg Tournament

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd August 2010

In a match that failed to raise enthusiasm, Birkirkara and Qormi ended their first game in the Carlsberg tournament with a goal less draw. This was the second draw of the day as Marsaxlokk and Hibernians in the opening match of this tournament ended in 4-4 draw, after Hibernians were having a comfortable 4-1 lead.

Mr. Paul Zammit fielded a totally different formation from Saturday's match as Thomas Paris and Emiliano Lattes were the only two who were included again in the first eleven. This served as an opportunity for many youngsters like Andreas Galea, Fabian Zammit, Keith Fenech and Ryan Scicluna, who all started the match.

Terence Vella was making his debut with the Birkirkara while it was the first match for the Scottish defender on trial who left a very good impression.

Qormi were the better side for the first half but as time passed, Birkirkara took control of the game, especially in the second half after Shaun Bajada and Trevor Cilia entered the field. However both goalkeepers ended with a clean sheet.

The match opened on a slow tempo and it was only at the 14th minute that a good opportunity was created as a good pass by Terence Vella, served Emiliano's whose shot ended wide.

Two minutes later, a good combination of one touch passes by Qormi was concluded with a powerful shot which ended wide.

On the 25th minute, the 'Stripes' tried their luck from a direct freekick which was cleared by Qormi defence with another shot ended wide.

Manuel Bartolo neutralised a shot from outside the box on the 27th minute.

Emiliano Lattes was denied a goal a minute later when he advanced into the box, and his shot beat the goalkeeper but not the defender.

On the 30th minute, a shot from Qormi ended wide.

Three minutes later, Qormi were unlucky when a freekick from outside the box was not properly cleared by our defence with the rebound hit the crossbar.

On the 37th minute, Andreas Galea's shot ended a little bit wide from a first timer.

Qormi hit the post again on the 40th minute with a shot from the left.

The first half ended in a goal less draw.

One minute in the second half, Qormi had another shot which ended wide.

Hardly a minute later, Emiliano advanced into the opponents' box before he tried his luck with the Qormi goalie performing a very good save.

On the 52nd minute, Manuel Bartolo performed a wonderful save for Birkirkra, from a powerful shot inside the box.

Terence Vella had his shot neutralised by Qormi's goalkeeper after a good combination of first touch passes.

Manuel Bartolo performed another good save on the 57th minute from a freekick outside the box.

On the 62nd minute, Emiliano's shot ended wide once again.

Seven minutes later, that is on the 69th minute, Birkirkara had a golden opportunity to take the lead, thanks to a cross by Trevor Cilia which was hit by another Birkirkara FC player with the Qormi's goalkeeper performing a very good save.

The match continued on a slow tempo, but with both sides creating opportunities which were not concluded. The final shot was for Qormi but it ended wide before the referee blew the final whistle.

Birkirkara will be involved again on Wednesday when they will face Marsaxlokk. The match will kick off at 21:00 and it will be also played in the Hibs Ground.

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