Gzira, Birkirkara share spoils in draw

Birkirkara failed to join Hibernians on top the BOV Premier League table as they were held in a 1-1 draw by Gzira United at the National Stadium on Sunday.

This was the second consecutive 1-1 draw for Birkirkara who now lie two points behind Hibernians. The Maroons, on the other hand, obtain the third 1-1 draw in four matches. They are now fifth on six points together with Floriana, Balzan, Hamrun and Valletta.

Yuri Messias replaced Martin Davis for Gzira while Enrico Pepe, Ryan Scicluna and Leandro Aguirre replaced Enzo Ruiz, Yannick Yankam and Claudio Bonanni for Birkirkara.

Birkirkara took the lead on the 34th minute when off a cross by Cain Attard, Federico Falcone slotted the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Curmi.

However three minutes later, off a long clearance by Steve Borg, Yuri Messias advanced on the right and into the area before beating Daniel Fernandes with a diagonal shot.

On the 67th minute, the Stripes were unlucky not to regain the lead as Leandro Aguirre hit the upright with a freekick from the left.

GZIRA Anthony Curmi, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz, Steve Borg, Nikolai Muscat, Steve Pisani, Yuri Messias, Nevin Portelli, Maxuell Maia (Martin Davis 69’), Thiago Espindola, Jefferson de Assis, Jackson Mendoza.
Coach: Darren Abdilla

BIRKIRKARA Daniel Fernandes, Enrico Pepe, Luke Montebello, Paul Mbong (Kilian Bevis 71’), Kurt Zammit, Federico Falcone, Ryan Scicluna (Claudio Bonanni 82’), Cain Attard, Oscar Carniello, Leandro Aguirre, Jeferson Macedo.
Coach: Andre Paus

 Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Christopher Francalanza
Fourth Official: Daniel Portelli
Yellow Cards: G. Bohrer, S. Pisani, K. Zammit
BOV Player of the Match: Enrico Pepe