Birkirkara beat Marsaxlokk and secure third place

by Ayrton Galea - 1st May 2011

Birkirkara secured at least the third place in the league when yesterdat they beat Marsaxlokk with a score of 2-0.

It was not the best of games for Birkirkara. After opening a 2-0 lead after just thirteen minutes, the pace of the match decreased drastically and from then on we assisted to a rather boring match. However this was a deserved win for 'The Stripes'.

For Birkirkara, Paul Fenech and Angus Buhagiar were suspended, and Shaun Bajada is still recovering from his injury. Michael Fraser made his return after his knee operation and he was on the substitute's bench.

Birkirkara opened well and after just six minutes they took the lead when Emiliano Lattes was served, rounded a defender and his fine shot from outside the area beat the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper, Rueben Gauci.

'The Stripes' continued to be the best team on the field, and on the 13th minute one became two. Another fine shot from outside the box, this time by Michael Galea, gave no chance to Rueben Gauci.

Birkirkara continued to press forward and tried to increase the lead. Andrei Agius tried his luck with a good header from a corner kick but it was turned into another corner.

Marsaxlokk had their first attempt when a fine cross by Alfred Effiong, was met by Julio Alcorse but his header was not good enough to beat Manuel Bartolo.

On the 35th minute Rueben Gauci had to come out and eliminate the danger as he anticipated a through ball towards Emiliano Lattes.

The first half ended with Birkirkara having a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half was lacking excitement as Marsaxlokk tried to react but their reaction was very weak and there were no doubts where the three points were going.

Eight minutes in the second half Marsaxlokk had a golden opportunity. Julio Alcorse beat the offside trap and alone against Manuel Bartolo he had the perfect opportunity to pull one back, but his weak shot was blocked by the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

Without much action, and the ball being played in the middle of the field for long stretches, Birkirkara picked up three precious points as Marco Borg's full time whistle saw Birkirkara register a very important win.

Emiliano Lattes was voted the man of the match.

Next week Birkirkara will be involved in the last Premier League match of this seson which will be a 'decider' for the second place against Floriana.

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