Birkirkara and Hamrun settle for a draw

by Ayrton Galea - 28th February 2011

Birkirkara registered their first draw in this Championship Pool phase. Yesterday afternoon 'The Stripes' were held by Hamrun Spartans in a draw of 1-1.

It was not the best performance for 'The Stripes' as we assisted to a game that never reached an impressive level. But if there was a team that deserved the three points there is no doubt that this was Birkirkara.

Today Mr. Paul Zammit had three important players missing as Shaun Bajada was suspended while Angus Buhagiar and Rowen Muscat failed to recover on time.

The first goal scoring opportunity was for Hamrun Spartans as a long distance shot by Massimo Grima was neutralised easily by Michael Fraser.

Birkirkara started to show their intensions and a shot by Michael Galea ending wide.

On the 16th minute, 'The Stripes' almost took the lead when Emiliano Lattes served Karl Pulo with the latter turning with the ball, and his close range shot was impressively saved by Omar Borg.

Ten minutes later, on the 26th minute Birkirkara were awarded a penalty after Jovan Vukanic handled the ball inside the area. Ibrahim Babatunde took charge of the penalty. He kicked a powerful shot in the middle of the net. Omar flew to left but somehow he managed to clear the ball with his foot into a corner kick.

After missing the chance to score from the penalty kick, Birkirkara reduced a bit their aggression and Hamrun Spartans were increasing in their play with the first half ending in a goal-less draw.

Hamrun Spartans began the second half on a more positive note, and after five minutes a solo effort by Nikola Chipev was turned into a corner kick by Michael Fraser.

On the 53rd minute, Hamrun took the lead when Gaeten Spiteri served Dean Sheilds with the latter advancing into the box before shooting the ball between Michael Fraser's legs.

Birkirkara were shocked with this goal and it was clear that they were lacking ideas. Mr. Paul Zammit made two substitutions. Rodolfo Kumbrevicius, or 'Alemao' as he is better known, replaced Ibrahim Babatunde and Terence Vella replaced Karl Pulo. One must mention the improvement shown by 'Alemao' as his performance increased in no small way. The other substitute, Terence Vella, also had a satisfactory performance.

Just three minutes in the field, Rodolfo Kumbrevicius almost equalized when a perfect cross by Ryan Scicluna found 'Alemao' and his effort from a good header ended a few centimetres wide.

Rodolfo Kumbrevicius was unlucky again when he hit the upright after was served by Joseph Zerafa.

However, 'Alemao' was not denied on the 79th minute. A perfect pass by Paul Fenech found Rodolfo Kumbrevicius who just tapped the ball into the net.

This was the wake-up call as from then onwards Birkirkara put everything forward to take the lead. On the 85th minute they almost succeed when from a good cross by Michael Galea, Rodolfo Kumbrevicius' header was somehow saved by Omar Borg.

Just a minute later there was another good opportunity for 'The Stripes'. Emiliano Lattes' powerful shot was blocked by a defender, and from the rebound Paul Fenech tried his luck but this was saved by Omar Borg. The last opportunity was for Birkirkara, as Emiliano Lattes' shot was cleared into safety by Rupert Mangion.

Although Birkirkara were held to a draw, the gap remained the same as Valletta also failed to pick up the three points as they were held in a 1-1 against Marsaxlokk.

What, as considered by many, is the decisive clash against Valletta will be played next Saturday at the National Stadium and it will commence at 16:00.

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