Under 17's in a stalemate against Valletta

by Ayrton Galea - 25th November 2013

Birkirkara Under-17's Team gained an important point in the APS Bank Under-17's League on Saturday afternoon as in a balanced encounter, they held Valletta in a goal-less draw.

With the Stripes still searching for their first win in the league, many might have put the Citizens in the pole-position to pick up three points but the Stripes defied the odds. The Stripes showed great determination to give a solid performance by being tactically well organised and aggressive for most of the time.

One should have expected more from the Citizens who were coming from a 4-0 victory over Pembroke. The Stripes showed great resilience, which not only enabled them to keep the Citizens forwards at bay for most of the time, but they were determined enough to create their scoring opportunities, and with some luck, they could have left the Victor Tedesco Stadium with the three precious points.

The First Half

The first half started on a slow tempo as both teams took their time to settle down while studying their opponents. Both sides seemed to be at their best at the back, as few spaces were left for the forwards to penetrate.

Valletta were first to come close as following a corner kick, a powerful directed header ended just over the bar.

However, the Stripes did not hold back, and it was their turn now to create their scoring opportunities. Wayne Farrugia found space to fire a powerful drive from outside the box which drifted wide off the Citizens' post.

Just a few moments later, the Stripes created another good opportunity. Former Valletta FC player, Clint Zammit, who was making his first appearance against his former team had an excellent run on the right flank but his inviting pass found none of his team mates in a position to conclude.

With both sides failing to make any notable action during the rest of the first forty minutes, the referee brought to an end the balanced first half.

The Second Half

The Citizens could not penetrate the Stripes who remained solid at the back. However, mid-way through the second half, they went close. From a fine cross from the left fine a header ended over.

The introduction of the Birkirkara substitutes Nigel Bugeja, Aaron Montebello and Neil Zahra gave Birkirkara strength as their presence in midfield bolstered the team's performance.

Clint Zammit was dangerous once more when he managed to dribble past a Valletta defender and fired a cross-shot into the small area but Wayne Farrugia was inches away from a simple tap in.

The former Valletta player was in action when he dribbled past another Valletta defender but he did not manage to shoot. A second defender blocked his effort from an ideal position.

The best chance of the game came at the dying moments of the game. Clint Zammit played a through-ball to Neil Zahra who managed to dribble Valletta's last defender. Face-to-face with the goalkeeper, Zahra's effort from the edge of the box was parried.

This was the last action of the match, as the referee immediately signalled the end of the game, with the Stripes gaining a doze of confidence and a precious point, even though they felt cheated not to collect the three points.

Starting Eleven: Luke Chircop, Carl Abela, Darren Buttigieg, Maximilian Borg Bartolo, Zachary Cassar, Michael Zammit, Andre Debono, Fabien Lufi, Clint Zammit, Ryan Muscat, Wayne Farrugia.

Substitutes: Alistair Micallef, Nigel Bugeja, Neil Zahra, Aaron Montebello.

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