Under-17's Team lose to Valletta FC

by Ayrton Galea - 7th April 2014

Birkirkara FC Under-17's Team ended their league commitments with another good performance. However, once again it was not enough to take something from this match, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Valletta FC.

Valletta managed to open a three goal lead but the Stripes showed great attitude not to throw in the towel. They clawed back in the game by scoring two goals, one by Clint Zammit and another by Sean Chetcuti. However, Birkirkara's reaction was not enough and the Citizens held strong and condemned Birkirkara to play in Section B.

The First Half

Valletta started dominating the game heavily in the opening stages of the match. In fact, Valletta managed to open the score after just four minutes, as Valletta caught out the Stripes on a counter attack.

The Whites continued to pressure Birkirkara deep into the defensive half and they were dangerous on some occasions. On the other hand, the Stripes managed to create a solitary action, when Clint Zammit broke through Valletta's rearguard, but the goal keeper rushed out on Zammit and eliminated his scoring options.

Valletta increased the lead when they caught Birkirkara on another counter attack, from a badly taken corner kick by the Stripes. In the last minute of the first half, Valletta were awarded a penalty kick as a Birkirkara defender handled the ball in the penalty area. The Whites made no mistake from the spot kick, to end the first half 3-0 in Valletta's favour.

The Second Half

The second half was a completely different story, as the Stripes came out stronger and created a number of goal scoring opportunities.

After 10 minutes Clint Zammit was tripped inside Valletta's box and the referee order a penalty. Zammit took charge of the spot kick and managed to send the goal keeper in the opposite direction to pull one back for the Stripes.

Encouraged by their goal Birkirkara started to push forward in numbers. With 12 minutes remaining on the clock, substitute Sean Chetcuti, made an impressive off the ball run, to finish the ball into the net from inside the box, to bring the Stripes within touching distance of a comeback.

In the final stages, Clint Zammit nearly levelled the score as he lobbed over Valletta's goal keeper but found a covering defender in place to clear from the line. To Birkirkara's disappointment, the referee soon brought the game to a close.

First Evelen: Alistair Micallef, Carl Abela, Darren Buttigieg, Maximilian Borg Bartolo, Zachary Cassar, Andre Debono, Michael Zammit, Nigel Borg, Aaron Montebello, Aaron Attard, Clint Zammit.

Substitutes: Fabien Lufi, Roberto Curmi, Sean Chetcuti, Neil Zahra, Nigel Bugeja.

Scorers: Clint Zammit, Sean Chetcuti.

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