Birkirkara place second in Carlsberg Tournament

by Ayrton Galea - 28th August 2010

On Friday night, Birkirkara placed 2nd in this year's Carlsberg Tournament, after being beaten by Hibernians in the last match of the tournament. Hibernians scored two goals, both by one of their new signings, Paul McManus.

Both teams could not field their best formation, as Birkirkara and Hibernians had the International players ruled out.

The match opened on an aggressive note as both teams tried to take the lead as early as possible but as time was passing the match level reduced in no small way and ended up in what can be described as a boring contest.

The first opportunity was for Birkirkara with a good run by Keith Fenech who perfectly served Emiliano Lattes, but unfortunately he did not control properly and the Hibernians defense managed to clear the danger.

Hardly a minute later, Hibernians hit the crossbar from a powerful shot.

Hibernians were awarded a corner on the 3rd minute which was met by a Hibernians player who had his effort ending wide.

On the 9th Birkirkara had a shot which ended wide after a pass from Lattes.

Hibernians took the lead on the 14th minute with a perfect low cross from the left and McManus tapping the ball into the net, giving Hibernians a 1-0 lead.

Birkirkara almost equalized exactly after, as a perfect through ball to Emiliano Lattes in a one versus one situation against Daniel Balzan lobbed the ball perfectly but a Hibernians defender cleared the ball from the line, denying the 'Stripes' their equalizer.

Hibernians extended their lead on the 19th minute, once again thanks to McManus: a cross from the right which was perfectly met by the Hibernians striker which gave Lovizon no chance.

On the 30th minute a cross shot from Hibernians ended wide.

Hibernians had another shot which ended wide five minutes later.

Esequiel performed a good save when a cross from the Hibs defense across the whole field found McManus again, who headed the ball, but was neutralized by Lovizon.

On the 42nd minute, the Hibs goalie performed a good save which was turned into a corner kick.

The first half ended with Hibernians in the lead with 2-0.

The second half was quite a boring one as Hibernians tried to extend their lead, and, on the other hand Birkirkara tried everything to score at least one goal but neither Hibernians nor Birkirkara's effort was enough, as the score remained the same.

On the 53rd minute, The Hibernians goalie performed another good save.

Three minutes later, Esequiel neutralized the Hibernians attack.

On the 62nd minute, Birkirkara almost managed to score when a good cross from the defense was perfectly met by another Birkirkara FC player, but unfortunately he could not control his ball well enough and it crossed the line for a goal kick.

Birkirkara tried their luck once again on the 72nd minute but the shot ended wide.

Hibernians almost scored the third goal when a low shot ended wide after rounding no less than three Birkirkara players.

Birkirkara had another shot which ended wide on the 80th minute while the last opportunity was for Hibernians as a cross from the left was met by a header which ended wide.

After the game, Captain Michael Galea was presented with the 2nd place cup.

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