Zejtun Corinthians registered their first ever BOV Premier League win as they beat Birkirkara 3-2 at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.
For the Stripes, this was yet another disappointing result as they suffered the third defeat in four matches.
Zejtun managed to take the lead on the 18th minute when off an assist by Ricardo Silva Faria, Fernando Jose Gomes Junior controlled the ball on the right and rounded a defender before beating Alessandro Guarnone with a shot from the edge of the area.
Two minutes later, Birkirkara levelled matters when Claudio Bonanni released Alex da Paixao Alves on the right and the latter managed to lob the ball over goalkeeper Christian Cassar from a close angle.
The Corinthians regained the lead on the 22nd minute when off a cross from the left, Ricardo Silva Faria headed home past Guarnone.
On the half-hour, da Paixao Alves was brought down inside the area by Neil Tabone; referee Philip Farrugia ordered a penalty by Yannick Yankam’s effort was neutralised by the Zejtun goalkeeper.
However, Birkirkara equalised on the 45th minute when off a cross by Kurt Zammit from the left, Yannick Yankam served Alex da Paixao Alves who slotted past Cassar from close range.
Zejtun notched the winner five minutes from time thanks to Fernando Jose Gomes Junior when he received an assist by Edward Herrera following a good move between a number of players, beating the Birkirkara goalkeeper with a fine rising shot.
B’KARA Alessandro Guarnone, Enrico Pepe (27′ Reginald Mbu Alidor), Paul Mbong (68′ Caio Henrique Prado Rocha), Roderick Briffa, Kurt Zammit, Yannick Yankam, Federico Matias Falcone, Cain Attard, Claudio Bonanni, Oscar Matias Carniello (75′ Luke Montebello), Alex da Paixao Alves.
Subs not used: Sean Cini, Neil Friggieri, Adam Camilleri, Glending Farrugia.
Coach: Andre PausZEJTUN Christian Cassar, Diego Albanese, Lucas Gama Moreira, Dylan Agius (64′ Edward Herrera), Kemar Reid (90′ Gianluca Bugeja), Marcelo Pereira Muniz, Christian Grech, Fernando Jose Gomes Junior, Ricardo Silva Faria, Noel Tabone, Anderson de Barros.
Subs not used: Daniel Grima, Alessio Cassar, Keelan Azzopardi, Kevin Cassar, Gianluca Bugeja, Gillmore Azzopardi.
Coach: Orosco AnonamReferee: Matthew De Gabriele
Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Darko Stankovic
Fourth Official: Andrea Sciriha
Yellow Cards: Tabone, Carniello, Grech, Agius
BOV Player of the Match: Alex da Paixao Alves
Antoine, ghala gie mibdul daqshekk malajr Pepe?
Jista’ jkun li ma kienx f’ sikktu għalkemm dak il-ħin ma deherx li sofra minn injuries
I am supporter of Zejtun Corinthians and want to say a big thank you for all those that are contributing to the Club. Till now we answered those that didn’t believe that we can make it in the top flight. Yesterday win was remarkable one for our Club. It’s true that B’Kara currently are not going through a good spell, but we showed in previous matches that we are playing good football and despite all the facts yeterday we were the better team.
Well done BLUES!!