Under 17s End Season On A High Against Sliema
by Jonathan Spiteri - 2nd May 2013
Our Under 17s managed to finish their league campaign with a win after beating fellow mid-table outfit Sliema Wanderers 4-2 in an action packed second half. It was indeed a tale of two halfs where, after a goalless first half, the floodgates opened and a total of six goals were scored. This win was not enough for Birkirkara to end their commitments in the first four places since they are presently 5th, with having leapfrogged the same Sliema and San Gwann with two points, but the Saints still have to play their final match.
The first half at the Mellieha Grounds on Sunday was quite a tight affair with Birkirkara gaining an early upper hand in midfield without having that cutting edge though. As the half progressed, Sliema started to get more into the game and were also trying to be dangerous upfront. The Stripes' defence was never stretched to its limits though and it was no surprise that the half time whistle saw both teams goint to the interval without any of their defences being breached.
People who were present probably thought they were watching a different game in the second half as the YellowReds springed off the blockes and took the lead after a few minutes. A ball was launched into Sliema's box and after a couple of miscued attempts by his team mates Leon Zammit brought an end to the goalmouth scramble by hitting low past the Blues' defenders and goalkeeper. Following some moments of confusion, Sliema started finding their feet again and their reaction yielded them an equalising goal with a powerful shot from a free kick outside the penalty area. This time it was Birkirkara's turn to fall int a state of intability, especially at the back, and their opponents made them pay as they went 2-1 infront with a through ball which saw the Stripes' defence being split open, leaving Sliema's forward with a simple task to beat Alistair Micallef. To their credit, Birkirkara staged an immediate reaction and a great shot by Beppe Jaccarini ended in the top corner of the net putting his team back on level terms. From now on it was an unpredictable game with tactical shape being lost by both teams who were in search of a winner. This came our way though, as a slick move on the left created space for Beppe Jaccarini who managed to put his team back on top. At this stage, one could say it was a deserved lead as, following Jaccarini's equaliser, Birkirkara were the team which wanted to bag the three points. Sliema were probably happy with a draw since they were one point above Birkirkara in the standings. From now on, the Stripes made sure they did not let in another goal while trying to hit Sliema on the counter attack. The goal that killed off any aspirations of snatching at least a draw arried as Russel Gatt Deraffaele was put through on goal and, with only the keeper to beat, he was brought down from behing with the referee having no options but to point at the penalty spot and send off the offender. Kurt Zammit expertly dispatched the penalty to seal a 4-2 victory for our Under 17s.
Mr Marko Glumac's comments were a tribute to his players for the work done during the season. “This was a well deserved win that proved we did our very best throughout the whole season till the very end, when there was little to play for but pride. Once again the players played their hearts out and got rewarded with a fine win against a very good opponent. I am proud to say that I coached a nice group of players who were always willing to learn and fulfill their potential. I wish all the players good luck for their future”. The committee would like to thank all those involved with the Under 17s squad who made their utmost to keep the name of our Nursery held high.
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