Birkirkara make it ten wins in a row

bov-premier-league-2013-2014Champions Birkirkara regained a four-point lead on top the BOV Premier League table as they defeated Floriana 3-0 to register their tenth consecutive win, also extending their unbeaten run to twelve matches.

It was an early goal after just eight minutes which paved the way for the Stripes who were clearly in control throughout the ninety minutes. Floriana, who were hoping to earn something from the game, created chances thanks to which they could have equalised when they were still trailing by one goal but once Birkirkara scored the second goal, it was all over for the Greens. They remain seventh, two points behind Mosta and three behind Naxxar Lions.

Both sides were unable to field their best formation as Ryan Scicluna and Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao were ruled out through suspension for Birkirkara while Floriana lacked Emmanuel Ibok Edet who was also serving a one-match ban.

Birkirkara managed to take the lead on the 8th minute thanks to a cross shot from the left by Ryan Camenzuli which beat goalkeeper Daniel Hanford.

Four minutes later, Shola Shodiya missed an incredible chance as he rounded a defender and the goalkeeper but concluded wide. Shola Shodiya then headed just wide off a corner from the left by Herrera on 22 minutes. On the half-hour, Igor Coronado advanced on the right, serving the unmarked Joseph Borg but the latter’s low shot was parried by Justin Haber.

Ten minutes in the second half, Igor Coronado sent Steve Pisani through but the latter concluded wide from the edge of the area.

Birkirkara doubled the score on 58 minutes when Steve Pisani handled the ball inside the area following a corner by Herrera; referee Marco Borg ordered a penalty and Frank Temile made no mistake from the penalty spot.

The Stripes scored the third goal eight minutes later when off a cross by Gareth Sciberras from the right, Frank Temile hit the foot of the post, the ball reached Paul Fenech whose rising shot from outside the area gave Daniel Hanford no chance.

B’KARA Justin Haber, Zach Muscat, Alejandro Mendoza, Nikola Vukanac, Ryan Camenzuli (64′ Joseph Zerafa), Gareth Sciberras, Frank Temile, Rowen Muscat, Haruna Shola Shodiya (81′ Demba Toure), Paul Fenech, Edward Herrera (72′ Terence Vella).
Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Kurt Zammit, Antoine Borg, Matheus Bissi da Silva.
Coach: Paul Zammit

FLORIANA Daniel Hanford, Andre Scicluna (75′ Jonathan Xerri), Sunday Eboh, Giacomo Favero, Christian Caruana, Igor Coronado, Clyde Borg, Joseph Borg (68′ Brooke Farrugia), Steve Pisani (61′ Diogo Pinheiro de Sousa), Gary Muir, Sacha Borg.
Subs not used: Sean Mintoff, Isaac Galea, Luca Casha, Darrell Baldacchino.
Coach: Ian Dawes

Referee: Marco Borg
Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Edward Spiteri
Fourth Official: Alan Mario Sant
Yellow Cards: C. Borg, C. Caruana, R. Muscat
Scorers: 8′ Ryan Camenzuli, 58′ Frank Temile, 66′ Paul Fenech
BOV Player of the Match: Paul Fenech
Attendance: 1,051