Birkirkara end their UWCL committments
by Ayrton Galea - 16th August 2012
Birkirkara ended their UEFA Women Champions League commitments by suffering the third consecutive defeat when this evening they were beaten by Glentoran with a 3-1 score.
Although the visitors had more of the game, Birkirkara gave another good performance and the 3-1 result is a bit harsh. However, Birkirkara were evidently tired in the second half.
On a positive note, Birkirkara scored their first goal of the Qualifying Round thanks to Kirsty Feasey, who was playing her last match with our Club.
Birkirkara were not in the best physical form as Kirsty Feasey, Yasmeen Vella, Kim Parnis and Simone Buttigieg were all nursing injuries, but managed to pull through and play the match. Kirsty pulled her hamstring during yesterday's training session while Kim Parnis and Yasmeen Vella had a slight ankle injury.
Birkirkara once again opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation with Janice Xuereb defending the posts and Kelly Agius Pace, Kim Parnis, Stephania Farrugia, Kirsty Feasey and Yasmeen Vella forming the defence. The midfield department was composed with Rachel Cuschieri, Gabriella Zahra, Chantal Fenech and Martina Cilia. Dorcas Debono once again was the solitary striker for Birkirkara.
The First Half
In the first shot of the match, Glentoran's Gail Macklin had a shot saved by Janice Xuereb in two attempts on the 1st minute.
Janice Xuereb was fouled on the 2nd minute, and had to receive medical attention on the pitch. The goalkeeper was then able to continue playing.
Gabriella Zahra had a fine chance to put Birkirkara in the lead. On the 8th minute, following a cross by Rachel Cuschieri, the Irish defender failed to clear, and the ball ended in Gabriella's foot but the ball ended over the bar.
Makyla Mulholland fired a powerful shot for Glentoran on the 16th minute and Janice Xuereb turned the ball into a corner kick with style. Off the corner, from the rebound Demi Vance's effort ended over.
The match was moving with a slow tempo in the first twenty minutes as both defences left no space for the respective strikers.
Referee gave the first water break on the 24th minute and Women's Head Coach took this opportunity to give fresh instructions to his players.
A long distance shot for Glentoran by Nadel Caldwell was easily saved by Janice Xuereb on the 26th minute.
Glentoran was unlucky not to take the lead on the 27th minute. A powerful shot by the solitary Nadel Caldwell hit the left post and was saved by Xuereb from the rebound.
Birkirkara utilised an early substitution when Dorcas Debono was replaced with Maryrose Cardona on the 34th minute. Rachel Cuschieri advanced to the position of a central striker.
Kirsty Mc Guiness's shot for Glentoran was turned into a corner by Janice Xuereb on the 36th minute.
Birkirkara had a fine opportunity on the 39th minute off a corner kick when Rachel Cuschieri sent a perfect cross in the direction of Stephania Farrugia who headed the ball to Gabriella Zahra but the latter failed to hit.
Glentoran missed a good chance on the 43rd minute when off a cross from the left, unmarked Gail Macklin headed the ball over.
Glentoran hit the post for the second time in the first half in the second minute of added time. Off a direct freekick, Lydsay Corry hit the crossbar.
Glentoran took the lead in the third minute of added time. Off a corner from the left, Kelly Baile headed past Janice Xuereb.
Birkirkara did not even get to kick-off the match again as the referee blew the half time whistle.
The Second Half
In the half time interval, Martina Cilia was replaced with Rosanne Xerri in the second substitution for Birkirkara. Rosanne was included in the right back position and Kelly Agius Pace advanced to the position of a striker. Rachel Cuschieri was now in the second striker position.
Gabriella Zahra rushed with her conclusion on the 50th minute despite being unmarked, and wasted a good chance.
In the first substitution for Glentoran on the 51st minute, Makyla Mulholland was replaced with Burk Charney.
A shot for Glentoran on the 55th minute ended over. A long distance shot by Kelly Baile was easily saved by Xuereb one minute later.
Another shot for Glentoran on the hour mark by Demi Vance ended wide.
Janice made a crucial save on the 64th minute. In a one against one situation she saved the ball with her foot and then off the rebound the shot ended over.
A header for Glentoran on the 67th minute ended wide.
Another water break on the 67th minute was ordered by the referee.
In the third and final substitution for Birkirkara on the 68th minute, Simone Buttigieg replaced captain Chantal Fenech.
Glentoran doubled the lead on the 70th minute. Following a miss-kick by a defender, Kirsty Mc Guinness made the best from the situation and she beat Xuereb with a fine a shot.
In the second substitution for Glentoran on the 74th minute, Claire Era was replaced with Asleigh Murray.
Glentoran made them three on the 75th minute when once again Kirsty Mc Guiness was left unmarked and she beat Janice with a close range effort.
In the third substitution for Glentoran on the 76th minute, Gail Macklin was replaced with Colleen Hinton.
Birkirkara pulled one back on the 90th minute to score their only goal in the round. A powerful shot by Rachel Cuschieri was turned into a corner. From the corner kick, Kirsty Feasey's header gave the goalkeeper no chance.
The full time whistle found Birkirkara conceding their third defeat and bringing to an end their Champions League commitments. The team's determination and commitment in the tournament is commendable and it augurs well for the coming season.
BIRKIRKARA: Janice Xuereb, Kelly Agius Pace, Kirsty Feasey, Yasmeen Vella, Kim Parnis, Stephania Farrugia, Rachel Cuschieri, Gabriella Zahra, Chantal Fenech (68' Simone Buttigieg), Martina Cilia, Dorcas Debono (34' Maryrose Cardona).
GLENTORAN: Alice Harkness, Lyndsay Corry, Lisa Downey, Claire Rea (74' Asleigh Murray), Demi Vance, Kirsty Mc Guinness, Makyla Mulholland (51' Burk Charney), Nadene Caldwell, Gail Macklin (76' Colleen Hinton), Caragh Milligan.
Scorers: 45+3' Kelly Baile, 70' Kirsty Mc Guinness, 75' Kirsty Mc Guinness (Glentoran), 90' Kirsty Feasey (Birkirkara).
Yellow Cards: Makyla Mulholland (Glentoran), Kim Parnis (Birkirkara).
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