Birkirkara celebrate despite defeat

Newly-crowned BOV Premier League champions Birkirkara were still in a party mode despite losing 4-2 to Valletta in the final league match.

As expected, the Citizens were all out to upset the Stripes and inspired by a hat-trick from Terence Scerri, who increased his tally to twenty goals, they managed to beat Birkirkara before they turn their focus to the U*BET FA Trophy.

For Valletta, captain Gilbert Agius was employed in an unusual position as one of the central defenders. Besides Luke Dimech, who is serving a suspension by the club, Jordi Cruijff was retained on the bench once again as he is not fully fit while Declan O’Brien was missing after being released by the club. Birkirkara, on the other hand, were in full strength expect for the injured Carlo Mamo.

After a most quiet start for the two teams, the match came to life on on 23 minutes when Valletta managed to take the lead. Terence Scerri gained possession on the left inside the area and with a low shot, he managed to beat goalkeeper Jorge Mora.

Two minutes later, Michael Mifsud tried to surprise the Spanish goalkeeper with a shot from midfield, catching him out of place, but his attempt ended wide.

Valletta doubled the score on 43 minutes thanks to a direct free kick from the left by Edmond Agius which gave goalkeeper Jorge Mora no chance.

Birkirkara pulled one back on 47 minutes when off a cross from the right by Trevor Cilia, Michael Galea hit low past goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

Photos: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com

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However two minutes later, the Citizens restored a two-goal lead when following a good run by Steve Bezzina on the left flank, he served Terence Scerri who flicked the ball past Mora to make it 3-1.

Birkirkara then lost goalkeeper Jorge Mora injured and was replaced by Omar Borg for the remaining thirty five minutes.

On 57 minutes, Trevor Cilia served Sylvano Comvalius on the left and the latter slotted past goalkeeper Andrew Hogg for the Stripes’s second goal.

Eight minutes later, Valletta made it 4-2 when off a good run on the left flank, Njongo Priso provided Terence Scerri with a perfect pass and the latter hit low past Omar Borg.

Terence Scerri was voted BOV Player of the Match.

After the game, Birkirkara captain Michael Galea was presented with the cup by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud.

Photos: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com

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VALLETTA Andrew Hogg, Steve Borg, Steve Bezzina, Gilbert Agius, Kenneth Scicluna, Edmond Agius, Dyson Falzon (74‘ Kevin Sammut), Njongo Priso, Jamie Pace (86‘ Dylan Grima), Michael Mifsud, Terence Scerri (83‘ Cleavon Frendo).
Subs not used: Nicky Vella, Jordi Cruijff, Roderick Briffa.
Coach: Ton Caanen
Team Manager: Nicky Saliba

B’KARA Jorge Mora (55‘ Omar Borg), Trevor Cilia, Branko Nisevic, Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Rowen Muscat, Paul Fenech, Shaun Bajada (73‘ Karl Pulo), Angus Buhagiar, Michael Galea, Sylvano Comvalius (82‘ George Mallia).
Subs not used: Thomas Paris, Andrew Scicluna, Andreas Galea, Alan Tabone.
Coach: Paul Zammit
Team Manager: Mario Gatt

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Philip Agius, Joe Camilleri
Fourth Official: Chris Lautier
Yellow Cards: E. Agius, P. Fenech, A. Buhagiar, R. Muscat, S. Bezzina
Scorers: 22′ Terence Scerri (V), 43′ Edmond Agius (V); 47′ Michael Galea (B); 49′ Terence Scerri (V); 57′ Sylvano Comvalius (B); 65′ Terence Scerri (V)