Early goal upsets 'The Stripes'

by Ayrton Galea - 1st July 2011

An early goal after less than two minutes condemned Birkirkara to a 1-0 defeat in the home leg of the Europa league First Qualifying round.

It was another positive performance for 'The Stripes', since after the early shocking goal, they began to settle down and play their game. In fact after this goal it was Birkirkara to be the best team in the field.

Mr. Patrick Curmi started the match with Jorge Mora defending our posts. Angus Buhagiar and Andrew Decesare patrolled the lateral back while Andrei Agius and Marcis Savinovs formed the central backs. The midfield was formed by Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat and the debutant Gareth Sciberras. Joseph Zerafa and Trevor Cilia played the role of advanced midfielders on the wing with Jacopo Camilli started in the role of a striker.

One should mention that the lack of a finisher was evident more then ever before. In the second half several good chances were created, however we lacked a player to put the ball in the net.

On a much more positive note, one should mention the midfield department had a very solid performance.

Birkirkara suffered a draw back after just one minute. Angus Buhagiar lost the ball to the opponents, then a perfect through pass to Xheyahr Suka, who managed to reach the ball before Mora, rounded him and his low shot ended in the net. The score 1-0 for the visitors.

After scoring this early goal, Vllaznia continued to be the best team on the pitch. On the 20th minute there was another fine shot by Xheyahr Suka, but this time it was well neutralised by Mora.

After this opportunity for Vllaznia, Birkirkara tried to react. On the 28th minute, Trevor Cilia tried his luck with a cross shot which was neutralised by goalkeeper Miroslav Yujodinovic.

On the 39th minute Birkirkara appealed for what appeared to be a clear penalty when Trevor Cilia was tackled inside the box. However, the Andorran referee, Igras Vllamayor Rozados, waved play on.

Vllaznia had another opportunity as Abraham Alechenwu tried his luck with a fine shot which was turned into a corner kick. From the same corner kick which was taken Olci Gocaj, Xheyahr Suka's fine header ended wide.

The first half ended with Birkirkara one goal down despite definitely not being inferior to the Albanian team.

The second half was rather a one sided affarir as Birkirkara went all out for the goal to achieve at least a draw with Vllaznia being dangerous on the counter attack.

For the second half Mr. Patrick Curmi made one change when youngster Leighton Grech replaced Joseph Zerafa.

Vllaznia had the first opportunity of this second half when Sukaj rounded two players, advanced on the wing but his perfect low cross failed to be connected by Gocaj.

Birkirkara's reply was a few minutes later when Angus Buhagiar advanced on the wing and crossed into the box, but his cross was neutralised by the goalkeeper.

'The Stripes' suffered another drawback on the 63 minute when Rowen Muscat had to be replaced due to injury by Alan Tabone. Early reports indicate that nothing is serious, and he might be available for the second leg.

Birkirkara had two free-kicks that ended wide. First Andrei Agius tried a long distance shot but it ended wide, and then an angled free kick from the left was totally fumbled by Alan Tabone.

Coach Patrick Curmi utilised his last substitution when Brazilian striker David Da Silva replaced Jacopo Camilli.

Birkirkara had their last opportunity when a good cross by Leighton Grech who in the second half was definitely one of the best players, was neutralised once again by the goalkeeper, and David Da Silva almost headed in.

The full time whistle found the Birkirkara supporters applauding the players for their fine effort but disappointed with the early goal that could have been easily avoided.

The next leg will be played next Thursday, on the 7 July and kicks off at 19:00. The match will be played at the Loro Bonici Stadium in Albania. The winner on aggregate will face FC Thun of Switzerland.

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