Both Under 15s and Under 17s suffer defeat

by Jonathan Spiteri - 29th October 2012

Last weekend was not a positive one for our nursery colours as both the Under 15s and the Under 17s went down to San Gwann and Valletta respectively. While this was the first upset for the Under 15s, it was the second defeat in a row for the Under 17s.

The latter were first to be in action as they took on Valletta at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Saturday. Mr Glumac's boys were adamant to make up for the previous defeat against Paola Hibs, but conceded an early goal. The Stripes reacted and created a couple of good scoring opportunites which neither was exploited. The half ended 1-0 to Valletta. Unfortunately the second half started off like the first, with the Whites doubling their advantage. Again Birkirkara staged a reaction and started to dominate proceedings. Still Valletta managed to score on the counter attack, as inevitably our team was focusing on trying to reduce the gap. At 3-0 everyone thought that the game was over, but two quickfire goals by Leon Zammit and Kurt Zammit ensured a nervous finale for our opponents. They had to endure severe pressure as Birkirkara threw caution to the wind as they believed they could get the equaliser. It was the City goalkeeper who saved the points for his team until they secured the win with their fourth goal on the counter moments before the final whistle.

Even though on the losing side, Mr Glumac drew hearth from the match and was please with the players' efforts. “Although we did not manage to get any points from this game, we are encouraged with the performance the team put in and we are able to face the next game with optimism.” That will be against Mosta on Sunday November 11th at 13:00 to be played at the Siggiewi Grounds.

Sunday saw the Under 15s pitted agains San Gwann, who were also on a 100% record. As one could expected, this match turned out to be a tight affair with scoring chances few and far between. After a goalless first half, San Gwann managed to break the deadlock after the break. Later on, Kieran Xuereb managed to put the ball into the net directly from a free kick, but after the goal was initially given, the referee opted to rule it out much to the dismay of the whole Birkirkara cland. More controversy followed as San Gwann were awarded a free kick for what apparently was an inexistent foul since the San Gwann player tumbled over the ball on his own. This set piece led to the second goal for San Gwann. Unfortunately the Stripes lost their composure and did not manage to get back into the match.

Coach Mr Micallef was still pleased with his lads. “Although we ended the match on the losing side, I would like to say ‘Well Done' to my players as they gave all they have in a very tactical match. They worked hard on what we had planned for this game. I could notice that our opponents' main objective was to prevent us from playing good quality football. They managed to do this and they also found the goals that condemned us to our first defeat, maybe undeservedly. I am sorry for the players who were also undone by two controversial decisions. Still we must accept these move on for the next match.”

They will be in action next Sunday, 4th November at the Siggiewi Grounds against Rabat Ajax, kick off scheduled for 17:00.

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