Birkirkara and Valletta share the spoils

by Ayrton Galea - 26th April 2011

Birkirkara registered their second consecutive draw as a late goal by Rodolfo Kumbrevicius who entered the field late in the second half was enough for Birkirkara to grab a point from this game.

It was a fine performance from Birkirkara who had a slight edge on their opponents. 'The Citizens' never created dangerous opportunities. However, when against the run of play they opened the score, all seemed over for Birkirkara but their never say die attitude resulted in scoring the equalising goal.

Another positive factor in the game was the support given to our team. Our supporters, despite not turning out in big numbers, were led by the vociferous Birkirkara Ultras throughout the ninety minutes and they definitely won the battle on the stands.

The match lacked goal scoring opportunities, and for long stretches the match was played in the middle of the field with both goalkeepers having one of the most quite evenings as they rarely performed a save.

Birkirkara opened as the more aggressive side. After just three minutes 'The Stripes' had their first attempt when Angus Buhagiar, who recovered in time after being ill last week, advanced on the right but his cross-shot ended wide.

Valletta replied on the 7th minute with a shot by Denni Rocha Dos Santos, but it was neutralised by Manuel Bartolo.

On the 18th minute Birkirkara were close to take the lead. Emiliano Lattes' cross from the left was met by Rowen Muscat who anticipated goalkeeper Andrew Hogg but incredulously Roderick Briffa cleared the danger.

The match continued to lack excitement with both sides exchanging play in the middle of the field with neither of teams creating scoring opportunities. The first half ended in a goal-less draw.

The second half was more entertaining especially the last fifteen minutes when both teams managed to find the net.

On the 50th minute, Andrei Agius tried a direct long distance freekick which ended wide.

Mr. Paul Zammit performed two substitutions. The first one on the 67th minute when Michael Galea replaced Andrew Decesare and then on the 75th minute Patrick Borg was replaced by Karl Pulo.

On the 79th minute Valletta took the lead. A cross from the left, was controlled finely to anticipate the Birkirkara defence including Manuel Bartolo. The current league's top scorer, Terence Scerri, slotted the ball into an empty net. During the Valletta players' celebration, Steve Borg was sent off , as he was shown a second yellow card, presumably for foul language.

Birkirkara had no choice then to go all out searching for the equaliser with Paul Zammit consistently telling the players to press forward. He performed the last substitution when Rodolfo Kumbrevicius replaced Trevor Cilia in the final substitution for Birkirkara.

Birkirkara's initial reaction was weak as a low shot by Michael Galea ended wide on the 87th minute.

The match seemed to be heading for another 1-0 victory for Valletta but on the 90th minute Rodolfo Kumbrevicius had other thoughts. Ibrahim Babatunde was served, he rounded a defender and tried a diagonal shot which was blocked by Andrew Hogg. From the resulting rebound Babatunde served Rodolfo Kumbrevicius whose powerful shot from close range gave Andrew Hogg no chance.

The referee's full time whistle found the Birkirkara supporters applauding all the players for this fine performance and their never give up attitude.

With this point achieved 'The Stripes' are now with 26 points, four points behind Floriana who next week will face Valletta. Birkirkara will be involved in a crucial and decisive match against Marsaxlokk this Saturday.

comments powered by Disqus