Birkirkara win thanks to Andrei's goal

by Ayrton Galea - 30th January 2011

Birkirkara extended their positive run thanks to a second consecutive win when earlier this afternoon, 'The Stripes' managed to beat Vittoriosa Stars with a solitary goal from the debutant Andrei Agius.

Once again, the yellow-reds had a satisfying performance and they were the best team on the field although in the final minutes Vittoriosa tried everything to equalise and earn a point from this game.

Birkirkara had two new players available for selection. Andrei Agius could not have had a better debut. On the other hand, Rodolfo Kumbrevicius did not have a five star performance.

'The Stripes' were not in full strength as once again Simon Zahra and Trevor Cilia failed to make it for this match, while captain Michael Galea was left on the bench due to the fact that he was not in his best physical condition.

Birkirkara opened well and from the first whistle they were the more aggressive side. On the 6th minute their first attempt came from a cross from the right by Angus Buhagiar, and Emiliano Lattes' low shot was turned into a corner kick.

Ten minutes later, a direct free kick by Emiliano Lattes was parried by Simon Agius.

On the 18th minute, a counter attack by 'The Stripes' saw Shaun Bajada's shot ending wide by just a few centimetres on the 18th minute.

The Maltese champions continued to press forward. On the 21st minute Rodolfo Kumbrevicius served Emiliano Lattes on the wing, with the latter's perfect cross finding Terence Vella and his powerful attempt was denied by the goal post.

However 'The Stripes' were not denied on the 38th minute, as a free kick by Shaun Bajada from the left found Nikola Vukanac who served Andrei Agius, and the latter's wonderful volley opened the score.

The first half ended 1-0 for 'The Stripes'.

The second half was a different one as the level of the game decreased, and goal-mouth action was rare expect some isolated opportunities for both sides.

Birkirkara had their first attempt after a series of one touch passes between several Birkirkara players, Paul Fenech tried his luck with a shot from outside the box which ended a bit wide.

Terence Vella and Emiliano Lattes were always dangerous for the Vittoriosa defenders and both of them were fouled often, which denied Birkirkara some dangerous actions.

With few minutes to go for the final whistle, Vittoriosa tried everything to salvage a point but they were denied thanks to strong defending and goalkeeping. Michael Fraser performed a wonderful save in final seconds to achieve another clean sheet.

Emiliano Lattes was voted as the BOV player of the match.

Thanks to this win, 'The Stripes' still remain in the fourth position.However they narrowed the gap to just two points to the second place, since today in the first match, Tarxien Rainbows beat Floriana with a 3-1 score. 'The Stripes' are thirteen points behind Valletta.

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