Birkirkara bow out of Euro Challenge Cup

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd June 2010

In the second and final match for the 'Stripes' in the Euro Challenge Cup, Birkirkara suffered another loss against eternal rivals Valletta with a 3-0 score line.

Although Birkirkara exchanged play with the Citizens for most of the time, they were never dangerous enough to close the gap. This was partly due to various regular players left on the bench, ruled out injured or suspended.

Birkirkara opened the match more aggressively then Valletta in fact after just three minutes, Trevor Cilia's shot was deflected by Ramon Dos Santos, before being turned into a corner by Valletta's goalkeeper. Two minutes later it was another shot from Cilia which was once again turned into a corner.

On the 15th minute, Valletta had their first attempt on goal when Hercules Ottoni concluded a fine move with an angled shot but his try was cleared by the Birkirkara's defense.

Another attempt by Hercules eight minutes later was saved by the new signing, Esequiel Lovizon.

The Citizens managed to the take the lead when a shot by Ian Zammit on the 26th minute hit the post, and from the rebound Dyson Falzon's cross found Hercules Ottoni who put the ball past Lovizon.

Just four minutes later, Valletta could increase the lead when Justin Grioli fire a shot that hit the upright post and from the rebound, Ian Zammit try was cleared by the defender.

On the 33rd minute, the 'Citizens' were awarded a penalty after Ian Zammit was fouled in the box. Chris Lautier had no option but to order a penalty and from the spot Ian Zammit made no mistake.

In the last minutes of the first half, Nikola Vukanac cleared the ball off the goal line.

On the 55th minute, Ottoni missed a golden opportunity to increase Valletta's lead that saw his shot fly over the post.

Later on, it was time for the 'Stripes' reply with Joseph Zerafa's shot which ended wide but on a counter attack by Valletta, Ian Zammit once again hit the crossbar.

The third goal for Valletta arrived on the 81st minute when Dyson Falzon managed to beat Esequiel Lovizon for the third and final time in the match.

With this loss, Birkirkara have no chance of winning this honour. The winner will be decided on Friday when Valletta and Sliema meet in the final match of the competition. A result of a draw will see Valletta lift the trophy.

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