Contrasting results for Nursery Teams

by Jonathan Spiteri - 7th January 2013

Birkirkara Under-17s had a bright start to the new year as they beat San Gwann 4-2 in a match which coach Marko Glumac had to do some changes due to a number of regular player missing. Those who deputised instead of the regular players really gave a good account of themselves as they were all focused and helped the team achieve this victory with a very well disciplined peformance.

The Stripes could not have wished for a better start. Only three minutes had elapsed when a well orchestrated move made up of a series of one-twos had Russel Gatt Deraffaele released through on goal. As he tried to round the goalkeeper, he was tripped and the referee had no option but to point to the penalty spot and show the Saints' custodian the yellow card. Gatt Deraffaele dispatched the penalty kick with ease to open the score.

The inspirational midfielder doubled the score on ten minutes with a rasping drive that nestled into the corner of the net. Inevitably, the match opened up as San Gwann looked to quickly get back into the contest, and if it were not for a string of fine saves from Dylan Galea, the YellowReds goalkeeper, they would have done that. Our team also had some other good goal scoring opportunities which they did not capitalise.

The Birkirkara rearguard was only undone by a solo effort from a San Gwann player just a few minutes before the half time whistle, thus the teams went to the break with a 2-1 scoreline.

The second half was a carbon copy of the first, this time it was Leon Zammit scored a marvelous brace inside a few minutes, putting the game beyond any doubt with still around half an hour to play. Both goals were fruit of great team work. The game continued to offer goalmouth action at both ends, but the scored remaind unaltered until San Gwann reduced the gap after a set piece. The refereet brought the match to an end with the Stripes winning 4-2.

Mr Glumac could not have asked for more: “The players today were fantastic, everyone stood to his tasks to perfection, and could blame no one for the goals we conceded. I am especially pleased with those players who had not played so much up till now. They showed great discipline and determination. Their performance will make me think twice ahead of future line-up selections, well done!”

The Under-17's will now meet St Patricks at their own ground in Zabbar on Sunday 20th January at 13:00 hrs.

Tough result for the Under 15's

Birkirkara Under-15s had to endure an uhappy start to the New Year as they ended up losing a game in which, on paper, they looked favourites to win against St Patricks. One must also mention the fact that Coach Mr Carmel Micallef had a real headache since there were a number of players which were unavailable for selection. The first minutes of the game were also fatal for Kieran Xuereb who unfortunately injured his shoulder.

The Stripes were clearly the better side, as they attacked from the first whistle. St Patricks defended with almost all their players, and in four occasions during the match, they managed to avoid goal-bound efforts with last ditch interventions just before the ball crossed the goal-line.

The Zabbar side opened the score against the run of play after 15 minutes, following a defensive imperfection. Jamie Zerafa equalised for Birkirkara when converting a penalty kick which was awarded for a foul on Nick Borg. Other scoring opportuties were squandered and the YellowReds were punished after committing another mistake at the back just before half time.

The second half saw Birkirkara again with the lion's share of possession, but St Patricks defended in a much more organised way and our lands could not break them down. This meant that the full-time whistle found our side on the losing side of a 2-1 score.

Mr Micallef felt at a loss when asked to comment about this match: “It was a very frustrating game with a good number of scoring chances missed in front of a packed goal. Although I am satisfied with the possession of the ball, we undoubtedly failed in finishing. I feel we were unlucky in one way, but disappointed in another way, since boys are showing commitment during training. If we keep on believing in our potential we can enjoy more hours of football. Attitude towards the game is very important.”

The Under-15s next commitment will be versus Tarxien Rainbows this Sunday the 13th of January at the Siggiewi Grounds, kick-off time 13:00 hrs.

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