Birkirkara beat Luxol in friendly match

by Ayrton Galea - 11th August 2010

In their first friendly match for this week, played on Tuesday night, Birkirkara emerged as winners as they managed to beat the newly promoted 1st Division side, Luxol St. Andrews with a 2-0 score line.

Once again, Mr. Paul Zammit was not able to use the services of many players, namely, Ryan Scicluna, Kieth Fenech, Joseph Zerafa, Shaun Bajada, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat and Alan Tabone. These players were ruled out due to several reasons.

The match was a one sided affair as expected, as Birkirkara spent the whole ninety minutes attacking, with Luxol only trying to build some dangerous counter attacks, but it was too difficult for them to beat 'The Stripes' defence that was in very good form.

On the 4th minute, Birkirkara made their first attack but Michael Galea's header ended a bit wide.

One minute later, Vukanac's powerful shot ended a bit wide.

On the 15th minute, Birkirkara missed a golden opportunity when Decesare advanced in the middle of the field and served Trevor Cilia a perfect pass, then, in a one versus one situation, Cilia tried to lob the ball over the goalkeeper with his effort ending on top of the net.

On the 20th minute, the 'Stripes' had a goal cancelled due to offside position as a cross from the left by captain Michael Galea found Karl Pulo serving Emiliano Lattes who shot into an empty net from hardly a meter away.

One minute later, Michael Galea served Andrew Decesare who had his shot ending wide.

Finally, on the 29th minute Birkirkara took the lead as a perfect pass from Emiliano Lattes found Trevor Cilia, again in a one versus one situation against the goalkeeper, but this time the national player made no mistake.

One minute later, Bartolo performed a good save after a shot from outside the box.

On the 32nd minute 'The Stripes' were unlucky not to double the score as a good pass from Trevor Cilia found Pulo unmarked who entered the box with his shot just hitting the crossbar before being cleared by the Luxol defence.

One minute later, Luxol St. Andrews had their 2nd attempt as this time their effort ended a bit wide.

On the 40th minute, Bartolo performed a good save from an effort outside the box.

Two minutes before the half time whistle, Nikola's effort ended wide after he was served by Michael Galea from a corner kick.

Although Birkirkara had dominated the whole forty five minutes, the first half ended in only the minimal lead for 'The Stripes'.

The second half was no different as, although it was played on a slower tempo, Birkirkara continued to dominate and press forward every minute.

The first opportunity to increase the lead was thanks to Nikola Vukanac who had his effort end wide.

On the 72nd minute 'The Stripes' increased the lead after Karl Pulo entered the box. The goalkeeper seemed to have cleared the danger but the youngster managed to win the ball back before rounding the goalie and putting the ball into the net.

Three minutes later, Trevor's header ended wide after a corner kick from the left.

On the 77th minute, Emiliano's powerful shot from a long diagonal distance hit the crossbar.

The last opportunity for Birkirkara happened five minutes from time, when Emiliano entered the box and tried a low shot which was blocked by the goalie.

Birkirkara will be in action again on Thursday, facing Floriana in another friendly match which will kick off at 18:30 and shall will be played in the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.

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