Wounded Stripes trounce Wanderers

by Ayrton Galea - 14th September 2010

Birkirkara were in a class of their own when on Monday night, they managed to humiliate Sliema Wanderers thanks to a super performance by all the players.

This result is more prestigious than anyone might think, as Birkirkara started the match with seven players missing. Five players were ruled out due to suspension, two players ruled out due to injury.

As said before, it was a five star performance by all the team especially by one of the latest recruits who was making his Premier League debut with the shirt of 'The Stripes', Emiliano Lattes that had an excellent performance.

Sliema almost opened the score after just three minutes when from a corner kick from the left by Clayton Failia, it was perfectly met by a header from Josef Mifsud with Trevor Cilia clearing the ball from the line.

On the 7th minute, Esequiel Lovizon had to be replaced by Manuel Bartolo as the Brazilian could not continue the match due to injury. Early reports indicate that he is suffering from a broken arm.

Sliema managed to take the lead on the 12th minute, when from a counter attack, Obrinna Obiefule served Jackson Lima Sequeira who fired a powerful shot from outside the box that gave Bartolo no chance.

This was the wake up call for 'The Stripes' as after the goal they were constantly looking for the equalizer which arrived on the 28th minute, when from a cross by Trevor Cilia from the right, Sekou Tidane Souare handled the ball inside the area. Referee Marco Borg had no option then order the penalty and Michael Galea made no mistake to level the score.

On the 34th minute, Birkirkara had another opportunity to take the lead when a good shot by Trevor Cilia was perfectly blocked by the Sliema's goaler, then Angus Buhagiar tried his luck from the rebound which was deflected into a corner kick by the Hungarian goalkeeper, Viktor Szentpeteri.

Birkirkara took the lead for the first time when a fine freekick shot by Emiliano Lattes was not saved by the Sliema goalkeeper, with Michael Galea tapping the ball in.

Then another good free-kick by Emiliano Lattes ended wide.

Two become three in the injury time of the first half as a perfect cross by Emiliano Lattes found Terence Vella who scored his first goal with 'The Stripes'

In the second half, Sliema tried their best to reduce the gap but it was Birkirkara who scored another goal in the final few minutes.

Five minutes in the second half, a cross shot by the man of the match, Trevor Cilia was turned into a corner kick.

Sliema almost grabbed the equalizer as it was for the second time that Trevor Cilia cleared the ball from the goal line.

Emiliano Lattes curved shot ended wide after it had been served by Trevor Cilia.

Manuel Bartolo neutralized a header by Obrinna Obiefule from a cross by Jackson Lima Sequeira.

On the 86th minute, John Mintoff was sent off for Sliema leaving 'The Blues' with 10 men in the field.

Birkirkara make sure of the three points on the 92nd minute when Emiliano scored the 4th and last goal for Birkirkara.

The full time whistle found the Birkirkara supporters applauding the players for the well deserved win and the first three points of this new league.

comments powered by Disqus