Under-15's Team lose to Valletta, stay on top

by Ayrton Galea - 27th April 2015

Birkirkara FC Under-15's remained in the first place in the APS Bank Under-15's League Section A despite falling to a surprising 2-1 defeat against Valletta.

Playing the third match in just seven days time, the Stripes looked physically tired as they failed to reach the previous games' level. The defeat was a disappointing one, as Valletta are second from bottom and with just one win before this encounter. On a more positive note, this weekend's results favoured the Stripes as the gap remained with two points following the defeats of both Hibernians and Pieta Hotspurs.

The First Half

The Stripes surged ahead on the eleventh minute. Braden Calleja made a fine run on the right wing before his second-post cross found Ryan Tonna who headed home past goalkeeper Al-Tumi from a tight angle.

However, their lead lasted only six minutes as Valletta equalised. From a Valletta free-kick, a very unfortunate header by Romario Camilleri saw the ball going into Birkirkara's own net.

Birkirkara went close to regaining the lead on the twenty-fifth minute when Ayrton Attard served Kyle Mifsud who had his shot blocked by Al-Tumi. Moments later, Ayrton Attard had a powerful shot blocked by Al-Tumi, and the first-half ended 1-1.

The Second Half

In the second half, the Stripes seemed to lack inspiration as they failed to penetrate the solid and determined Valletta defence.

Birkirkara were playing better as Valletta hardly tested the Birkirkara goalkeeper but seven minutes from time, the Citizens scored a dramatic and winning goal, when off a low cross from the right, the Valletta forward hit past goalkeeper Clyde Aquilina.

Birkirkara put everything forward but Valletta held strong, for a surprising victory, which however left them in the relegation zone. On the other hand, the Stripes failed to make the best of Hibernians and Pieta Hotspurs' slip-ups, but remained alone with a two points lead at the top of the table.

BIRKIRKARA: Clyde Aquilina, Miguel Amato, Ayrton Attard, Braden Calleja, Romario Camilleri, Nicholas Farrugia, Zak Grech, Ethan Lethridge, Kyle Mifsud, Ryan Tonna, Carlo Zammit Lonardelli.

VALLETTA: Rashed Al-Tumi, Josmar Galea, Scott Manderson, Miguel Micallef, Owen Duca, Kurt Mifsud, Owen Agius, Orsan Mackay, Miguel Ghigo, Jean Leon Cassar, Shaun Dimech.

Yellow Cards: Braden Calleja, Nicholas Farrugia, Ryan Tonna.

Scorer: 11' Ryan Tonna.

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