Match Report | Birkirkara FC - Balzan FC

by Clayton Schembri - 13th September 2021

Birkirkara FC registered their third consecutive victory in the BOV Premier League when they defeated Balzan FC with a narrow 2-1 score thanks to a goal each in the first half by Federico Falcone and Jeferson Macedo. By this victory, which continues to build their momentum, the Stripes are sharing the top spot with Hibernians on a maximum nine points.

Birkirkara started well and they went ahead on the 2nd minute. Luke Montebello produced a wonderful run down the left flank that saw him outrunning his marker before sending an inch-perfect pass towards Federico Falcone who hit past goalkeeper Vukasin Vranes.

The Stripes went close again after ten minutes. When Venacio`s curling powerful shot from a free-kick looked heading for the top corner but finished on the side-netting. From the ensuing corner, Oscar Carniello's header was cleared off the line by Michael Johnson.

Coach Andre Paus had to replace Diego Venancio due to a possible thigh strain and was substituted by Ryan Scicluna, who before the match was presented with a commemorative jersey on his 200th premier league appearance.

Balzan equalised on the 39th minute. Milan Duric squared the ball for Milos Mijic who hit it with his first touch and sent it high beyond goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes.

Birkirkara restored their lead six minutes later. Paul Mbong supplied an excellent teasing cross towards Jeferson whose powerful strike past the Balzan goalkeeper.

Balzan went close five minutes inside the second half. When Sean Cipriott's drive from free kick was blocked by Fernandes.

Balzan went close again on the 62nd minute. When Duric whose header flashed past the far post. However, Birkirkara looked organised and struck when it mattered most as the score remained unchanged.

BIRKIRKARA: Daniel Fernandes, Enzo Ruiz, Yannick Yankam, Luke Montebello, Paul Mbong (63′ Leandro Aguirre), Kurt Zammit, Federico Falcone, Cain Attard, Oscar Carniello, Jeferson Macedo (82′ Kilian Bevis), Diego Venancio (25′ Ryan Scicluna).
Coach: Andre Paus

BALZAN: Vukasin Vranes, Augustine Loof, Samir Arab (79′ Marcus Grima), Milan Djuric, Paul Fenech, Alex da Paixao, Michael Johnson, Uros Ljubomirac, Milos Mijic (79′ Gary Camilleri), Aleksa Andrejic (70′ Bojan Kaljevic), Sean Cipriott (86′ Neil Frendo).
Coach: Mark Miller

Referee: Philip Farrugia
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, James Muscat
Fourth Official: Daniel Casha
Yellow Cards: Ruiz, Cipriott, Scicluna, Arab, Djuric

BOV Player of the match: Milos Mijic (Balzan)

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