Birkirkara get one over Floriana

by Matthaeus Grasso - 25th January 2010

Birkirkara have managed to pay back Floriana for the defeat we conceded against the same 'Greens' in the previous round, when on Monday, our side managed to beat the spirited opponents by a 2-1 score line.

With Floriana seeking to get at least a point which would improve their chances of securing a Championship Pool spot, this was no easy challenge for our team, as our opponents kept on pressing for the equalizer right until the final whistle.

The 'Stripes' dominated possession throughout both periods and created a big number of goal scoring opportunities, most of which were unluckily not taken.

In the 38th minute of the match, following a series of good saves by Floriana goalkeeper Bernard Paris (who's on loan from Birkirkara), our team finally managed to take the lead thanks to a cross by Michael Galea which was slightly deflected by Trevor Cilia before Clifton Ciantar put the ball in his own net.

The first half ended 1-0, with Floriana seemingly un capable of turning things around.

With the Birkirkara defense still feeling relaxed after the interval, Ryan Darmanin took possession in our penalty box, following a bad clearance, and smashed a low shot past Jorge Mora. A goal which sparked all the players back to life.

The Birkirkara supporters had little time to worry about this goal, as just five minutes later, a cross by Shaun Bajada was mishandled by Bernard Paris, with Michael Galea pouncing on this error, to slot the ball home and give back the lead to Birkirkara.

Less than six minutes went by, when some lovely foot work by Paul Fenech, saw the same player hit a fine curling shot which clipped the post before going wide. That would have been some goal!

In the last ten minutes of the match, the Birkirkara defense seemed to feel the heat of the late pressure being made by Floriana's attacking players, but luckily enough, Jorge Mora was in no mood to concede another goal, as time and time again he kept on saving shots which could have easily resulted in our squad dropping crucial points.

With this result, Birkirkara are now co-leading the standings again, level on points with fierce rivals Valletta.

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