Birkirkara runners up of the Euro Cup

by Ayrton Galea - 24th June 2011

Birkirkara ended their involvements in the Euro Challenge cup with a very satisfying performance when they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw against Valletta.

After a satisfactory performance against Floriana, Birkirkara continued to show more of their true potential against the champions Valletta. However, this draw was not enough for Birkirkara as 'The Citizens' claimed the first honour of this season, in a highly entertaining match.

Birkirkara started the game with Jorge Mora defending the posts, Angus Buhagiar and Andrew Decesare patrolling the lateral back while Andrei Agius and debutant Antonio De Gomes formed the central backs. The midfield department had no changes from Monday's game as once again Alan Tabone, Paul Fenech and Rowen Muscat started the match. Trevor Cilia, debutant David Da Silva and Argentine striker Victor Rena formed the attacking department.

Missing for today's game were Joseph Zerafa and Leighton Grech who were ruled out injured. Jacopo Camilli and Ryan Scicluna who were in the 18 man squad last Monday were not called up.

One should mention the positive performance by all the players, especially Alan Tabone who scored a brace, Victor Rena who left a very good impression, and Spanish goalkeeper Jorge Mora, who in the second half performed crucial saves that denied Valletta the chance to increase their score.

Birkirkara started as the most aggressive side but it was 'The Citizens' that opened the score on the 10th minute when a fine cross from the left by Roderick Briffa found William Barbosa Da Silva who managed to beat Mora with a powerful shot.

This lead for Valletta did not last long as seven minutes later Victor Rena advanced in the box and was floored inside the penalty area by Steve Borg with the latter being shown the yellow card. From the 11 meters distance, Alan Tabone made no mistake and equalised the score.

On the 19th minute Rowen Muscat almost scored when his long distance powerful shot was turned into a corner by Andrew Hogg. Then the same player headed wide from an inviting cross by Trevor Cilia.

Birkirkara continued to dominate but they had to wait until the 43rd minute to deservedly go ahead. A pass from the left found Alan Tabone unmarked and he fired a first timer shot which gave no chance to the Valletta custodian.

The first half ended with Birkirkara in the lead with a score of 2-1.

If the first half was dominated by Birkirkara, the second one was dominated by Valletta as they deservedly equalised and if it was not for the decisive saves by Jorge Mora they could easily have takesn the lead and won the game.

On the 49th minute Birkirkara utilised their fist substitution as Rowen Muscat had a slight injury and as a precaution he was replaced by Shaun Bajada.

Valletta equalised eleven minutes in the second half, that is on the 56th minute. From a fine Ian Zammit freekick, the ball was deflected and from a close range Denni Rocha Dos Santos made no mistake.

Valletta were looking for their third goal and on the 61st minute they almost got it. After a good run, Denni served William Barbosa Da Silva whose powerful shot was blocked by Mora. William tried again but it ended as a goal kick.

'The Citizens' continued to dominate and Mora had to be decisive once again when just four minutes later, William served Kevin Sammut who had his powerful low shot blocked by Mora.

On the 69th minute, a fine cross by Trevor Cilia was met by Victor Rena's header which was parried by Andrew Hogg.

One minute later, Valletta almost scored the third goal but Mora was not in the mood to concede more goals and he made another fine save on Denni.

In the three minutes added time, Birkirkara could easily have notched the winner when first, Andrew performed a good save on a direct corner by Trevor Cilia and then a powerful shot by Andrei Agius ended wide by millimetres.

The full time whistle found Valletta winning their first honour of the season, with the Birkirkara supporters deservedly applauding all the players for their determined performance.

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