Women's Team secure league title in style

by Ayrton Galea - 29th March 2017

Birkirkara FC Women's Team sealed the BOV Women's First Division League title in style yesterday evening, when they produced a five-star performance to defeat Kirkop United FC with a 7-0 score.

The Stripes, who proved to be the strongest side in the league right from the start, got the job done by building an insurmountable lead on top of the table three matches from the end, after they defeated Kirkop with the biggest victory and undoubtedly the best performance of the season.

It was a matter of when not if Birkirkara will seal the title as they had a very comfortable ten-point lead with four matches to go before the match. However, the Stripes continued to march on and registered their sixteenth straight victory to make sure of their sixth title in history.

Boosted by the numerous supporters that turned out for this match and created a vibrant atmosphere, the Stripes produced a magnificent performance. Dominant right from start to finish, they opened a three-goal lead in the first half and went on adding another four in the second half.

Coach Shawn Meilak underlined his belief in the English saying of never change a winning team as he fielded last week's same first-eleven selection and once again opted for a 3-5-2 formation.

The First Half

The Stripes, who missed a penalty early in the match, surged ahead after twelve minutes. Ann-Marie Said supplied an inch-perfect cross towards Kelly Agius Pace who hit a brilliant volley that gave the goalkeeper Sharon Costantino no chance.

Birkirkara doubled the lead eighth minute later. The team's top scorer, Agius Pace, was involved in action again when she showed great vision to unzip the defence with a precise pass towards the rapid-winger Alishia Sultana who kept her cool and placed the ball at the back of the net.

Two almost became three on the twenty-fourth minute. Playmaker Tracy Teuma delivered a well-taken corner kick but Kim Parnis' first-time effort was denied by the foot of the post, as the Stripes remained all over their opponents.

Kelly Agius Pace tried her luck with a long-distance free-kick but the goalkeeper saved her attempt on the stroke of the half-hour. Minute later, Alessio Caschetto hit the crossbar for Kirkop United, after she was served by Kim Simler.

The Stripes scored the third goal on the thirty-seventh minute. Sultana made great foot-work before serving Stephania Farrugia inside the box and the team's captain hit a powerful low shot past goalkeeper Costantino.

The Second Half

For the start of the second half, Coach Shawn Meilak introduced Cassie Camilleri and Leanne Micallef, two signings in summer that certainly increased the squad's depth this season, as they replaced Mariah Sciberras and Raina Giusti.

Birkirkara continued where they left in the first half, as they made them four past the hour mark. Towering midfielder Gabriella Zahra delivered an accurate left-footed free-kick to Tracy Teuma who headed home past goalkeeper Costantino.

The Stripes added their fifth fifteen minutes from time. Agius Pace's inch-perfect corner kick on the second post saw Stephania Farrugia rising high to hit a bullet header home.

Six became seven by the fired-up Stripes on the eighty-third minute. Substitute Sonia Schembri found Kelly Agius Pace who showed great dribbling skills to get past two players and her well-placed shot left goalkeeper Costantino stranded.

Under-17's Team player Sarah Urpani, who came off as a substitute in the second-half, made them seven on the stoke of time. The promising player showed great skills to drift inside the box and placed a low shot home.

The Birkirkara clan let out a roar of delight when the referee blew the final whistle that declared them as the new champions to kick start their celebrations.

BIRKIRKARA: Janice Xuereb, Gabriella Zahra, Ann-Marie Said, Kim Parnis, Stephania Farrugia, Mariah Sciberras (46' Cassie Camilleri), Tracy Teuma (75' Maria Fenech), Alishia Sultana (63' Sonia Schembri), Raina Giusti (46' Leanne Micallef), Yasmeen Vella (66' Sarah Urpani), Kelly Agius Pace.

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