Birkirkara FC drop another two points

by Ayrton Galea - 6th December 2010

For the second consecutive time, and the fifth time this season, Birkirkara ended the match in another draw, thus dropping two precious points. Sliema denied 'The Stripes' maximum points when yesterday's game ended with a 2-2 result.

Once again, Birkirkara could have easily closed the game with several golden opportunities, such as those from Michael Galea and Trevor Cilia during the last few minutes of the first half. This put everyone under the impression that Birkirkara were going to have a comfortable lead before the half time whistle, but, unfortunately this was not the case. Just a few minutes into the second half Sliema Wanderers managed to equalize the score, and obtain the draw which would not change till the end of the game.

Birkirkara were not in their full strength as Esequiel Lovizon, Andrew Decesare, Nikola Vukanac and Rowen Muscat were all ruled out injured, and Trevor Cilia was not in his best condition.

The match opened with Sliema as the stronger side, but, once Birkirkara managed to even out the score, 'The Stripes' dominated till the half time whistle, where as said before, they could have easily closed the game.

The first attempt was for Sliema Wanderers thanks to a diagonal shot by Obinna Obiefule which was turned into a corner kick by the Scottish goalkeeper, Michael Fraser.

In the 15th minute, Birkirkara got close thanks to a powerful header by Emiliano Lattes after being served by a perfect cross from Trevor Cilia.

Four minutes later, 'The Stripes' almost took the lead with an auto goal from the Sliema defender, Sekou Tidane Souare, as he deflected a cross from Trevor Cilia and it seemed to be going in to the net; but the ball went out for a corner kick.

Sliema Wanderers took the lead in the 23rd minute, when a clean tackle by Joseph Zerafa had the ball ending up at Obinna Obiefule, who got past a defender and his shot gave no chance to Fraser.

Birkirkara's reaction was quick to this goal, and after five minutes they managed to equalise when Clifford Gatt Baldacchino fouled Alan Tabone inside the box and 'The Stripes' were awarded a penalty and Alan Tabone delivered.

Obinna Obiefule tried his luck again but this time it was neutralised by Michael Fraser in the 33rd minute.

Birkirkara took the lead in the 43rd minute when, after receiving a throw-in, Alan Tabone's perfect lob gave no chance to Ini Aktpan.

"The Stripes" could have easily made them three, when Michael Galea's feint found Trevor Cilia and left him in a one on one versus the goalkeeper, but his powerful shot ended wide.

The first half ended in a 2-1 lead for Birkirkara.

This lead did not last, as on the 51st minute, Obinna Obiefule got past Ryan Harding, advanced into the box and served Mark Scerri, who made no mistake.

In the 69th minute, Emiliano Lattes' powerful shot was somehow saved by Ini Aktpan, and then the Sliema defense cleared the danger.

Karl Pulo had his diagonal shot ending wide and Paul Fenech's long distance shot ended over the bar.

Emiliano Lattes tried his luck in the final few minutes but the score didn't change as the full time whistle saw Birkirkara dropping another two points.

Birkirkara are currently fifth, seven points behind leaders Valletta, who have a game in hand, three behind Tarxien Rainbows, two behind Hamrun and one point behind Floriana.

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