Disappointing Birkirkara suffer surprise defeat

by Ayrton Galea - 21st October 2012

Birkirkara suffered a surprising and disappointing defeat on Friday evening when in a tale of three penalties, Hamrun Spartans defeated Birkirkara with a 3-1 score.

Still fresh from the brilliant performance against Valletta, Birkirkara might have thought that after taking an early lead, the match will be a ride in the park but Hamrun Spartans' never give up attitude earned them precious three points.

The match had different episodes which could have changed the rhythm of the match. These were the three penalties were given, one for Hamrun and two for Birkirkara with the second one missed which could have been the turning point of the match after they were in 2-1 disadvantage, and Paul Fenech's sending off, after receiving two bookings in quick succession.

Birkirkara made two changes from their last outing against Valletta as Zach Muscat and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza replaced Nikola Vukanac and Ryan Camenzuli. Kurt Zammit, aged 16, was called up for the first time.

Joselito Dos Reis, Ryan Scicluna, Fabian Zammit and Karl Magri were missing for ‘The Stripes'.

Both teams were coming from a 1-1 draw, Birkirkara ended odds even with Valletta while Hamrun Spartans were held by Rabat Ajax.

The First Half

Off a direct freekick by Jhonnattann Benites on the 4th minute, his effort ended wide.

Birkirkara took an early lead on the 12 minute when Shola Shodiya converted a penalty after Jhonnattann Benites was brought inside the box.

Hamrun Spartans were denied from the equalising goal on the 20th minute when following a wonderful volley by David Camilleri, the ball hit the woodwork. Three minutes later, Daniel Zerafa had a shot ending over.

Shola Shodiya sent a perfect through ball on the 24th minute in direction of Joseph Zerafa but the latter failed to control and goalkeeper Andre Cassar.

Hamrun Spartans scored the equalising goal on the 25th minute when Terence Vella, a Birkirkara player on loan with Hamrun hit home with a volley.

Hamrun had a fine opportunity on the 32nd minute with a diagonal shot which was turned into a corner kick.

Jhonnattann for Birkirkara almost put them ahead thanks to a brilliant freekick on the 37th minute which ended wide by inches.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza made a fine solo action just before the half time whistle with his shot ending wide by inches.

The first half which saw Birkirkara failing to impress ending in a 1-1 draw with Hamrun.

A deflected shot by Terence Vella on the 46th minute was easily saved by Gauci.

Birkirkara replied with a direct freekick by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza on the 52nd minute which ended over.

Hamrun Spartans were awarded a penalty on the 54th minute when Paul Fenech handled the ball inside the area. From the resulting penalty, Massimo Grima converted and turned the match around for Hamrun.

Birkirkara missed a great opportunity on the 57th minute when following a perfect cross by Jhonnattann Benites, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza failed to hit in front of an empty net.

In the first substitution for Birkirkara, Ryan Camenzuli replaced Zach Muscat on the 58th minute.

Jhonnattann Benites had a long distance freekick turned into a corner kick by Andrea Cassar on the 63rd minute.

On the same minute, Paul Fenech was sent off following two bookings in quick succession.

Shola Shodiya had a dangerous shot deflected into a corner kick on the 69th minute.

Birkirkara were awarded the second penalty when Edward Herrera was brought down inside the box on the 75th minute. From the penalty spot, Shola Shodiya saw his attempt blocked in style by Andrea. Off the corner kick, Rowen Muscat had his header ending wide by inches.

Terence Vella for Hamrun had a fine shot ending wide on the 82nd minute.

On the 90th minute, off a corner kick, the Birkirkara player shot wide.

However Hamrun had the last laugh in the game as they made them three on the 93rd minute. Off a fast counter attack by Gianluca Calabretta who anticipated Reuben Gauci, he advanced and served Terence Vella who had an easy task hitting home from close range.

BIRKIRKARA: Reuben Gauci, Edward Herrera, Zach Muscat, Alejandro Mendoza, Joseph Zerafa, Rowen Muscat, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Jhonnattann Benites, Shola Shodiya.

HAMRUN SPARTANS: Andrea Cassar, Daniel Zerafa, Massimo Grima, Gianluca Calabretta, Adrian Ivanov, Roderick Fenech, Lyubomir Vitanov, Angel Yoshev, Anton Vergilov David Camilleri, Terence Vella.

Scorers: 12' Shola Shodiya, 25' Terence Vella, 52' Massimo Grima, 93' Terence vella

Yellow Cards: Joseph Zerafa, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat

Red Cards: Paul Fenech

Man of the match: Andrea Cassar (Hamrun)

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