Magnificent Stripes move back on top

by Ayrton Galea - 7th January 2013

'The Stripes' sent a clear message of their title intentions when they trounced Tarxien Rainbows with a 5-0 score to move back to the top of the table of the BoV Premier League, joint with Valletta.

Birkirkara gave a magnificent display and they outclassed their opponents who seemed shocked by this brilliant performance as they failed to create any sort of reply. After Birkirkara broke the dead-lock, there was no doubt where the three precious points were heading as ‘The Stripes' kept playing offensive football, creating opportunity after opportunity and the score could have been even bigger.

Shola Shodiya's return following a long term injury seemed to boost Birkirkara as the Nigerian forward was in outstanding form managing to score a brace and winning the BoV Player of the Match. Edward Herrera was also a continuous torment on the right wing and this was probably his best match so far.

Mr. Paul Zammit opted for an unusual 3-5-2 formation with Alejandro Mendoza, Rodrigo Pereira and Nikola Vukanac at the back. Shola Shodiya and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza were the central strikers and they were continually helped by wingers Ryan Camenzuli and Edward Herrera.

On the other hand, this was a shocking defeat for ‘The Rainbows' who expected anything but a one way match. Tarxien had former Valletta Brazilian striker Leonardo Almeida Da Silva and Marco Tulio Silva after making their debut after having released Danilo Meira Dos Santos, Luiz Romulo De Castro and Evaldo Silva Dos Santos.

The First Half

Birkirkara began the match as the most aggressive side but despite having a slight advantage over their opponents, they failed to penetrate the Tarxien's back line with dangerous opportunities.

Tarxien created the first opportunity on the 12th minute, with a shot which was easily saved by Reuben Gauci. However, Birkirkara's reply was quick, and five minutes later, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza saw his low drive shot saved by Cassar.

Birkirkara brought the match to life on the 33rd minute as they took the deserved lead. Orosco Anonam floored Triganza inside the box and the referee ordered the penalty. David Cassar blocked Triganza's effort, but from the rebound, Paul Fenech fired home to put Birkirkara in the lead.

Birkirkara's first goal was not enough for the match to increase its tempo as goal scoring opportunities were still lacking and the first half ended with ‘The Stripes' enjoying a narrow lead.

The Second Half

Birkirkara came out sharper in the second half as they increased their rhythm of play in the second half. Early in the second half, Mifsud Triganza had a dangerous freekick ending wide while hardly a minute later, a cross shot by Edward Herrera surprised Cassar but the ball hit the post.

Birkirkara were awarded for their efforts in the second half as they doubled the lead ten minutes in the second half. Ryan Camenzuli released Shola Shodiya who beat Cassar with a low powerful shot.

Two quickly became three as Birkirkara struck again two minutes later. Rowen Muscat's perfect freekick found Vukanac whose perfect header beat Cassar, to practically seal the match.

With three goals down and the team failing to make any sort of reply, Tarxien's Head Coach Mr. Clive Mizzi utilised two substitutions to try and change the poor performance of his team. On the 64th minute, David Fenech and Mark Tanti replaced Steve Sadowski and debutant Marco Tulio.

However things did not go according to Mizzi's plan as just one minute later, on the 65th minute, Birkirkara scored their fourh goal of the match. Shola Shodiya performed a solo action, cutting in the middle of outside the box before his powerful drive to give Cassar no chance.

Four goals without reply, and Birkirkara in complete domination, Mr. Paul Zammit utilized his first two substitutions on the 65th and on the 74th minute respectively when Zach Muscat and Yosimar Hernandez replaced Rodrigo Pereira and Shola Shodiya.

To round off a magnificent display, Birkirkara made them five on the 79th minute much to the disappointment of Tarxien who were too outclassed and failed to make any sort of reaction. substitute Yosimar Hernandez released Edward Herrera who fired home with a close range effort to beat Cassar and to score his first goal with our Club.

On the 81st minute, seventeen year old Bernard Borg made his debut in the Premier League when he replaced Nikola Vukanac.

Five goals seemed to be not enough for ‘The Stripes' as they kept pushing forward and they could easily have add more to their tally on two particular occasions. First, substitute Bernard Borg had a wonderful shot tipped into a corner by Cassar and then Mifsud Triganza lost a great opportunity when his low shot was blocked by Cassar in the dying minutes.

The full time whistle found the delightful Birkirkara supporters giving a much deserved applause to their players. This win gives a great boost and new hope for next Saturday's top of the table clash against arch rivals Valletta.

Birkirkara's forward Shola Shodiya was named the BoV player of the match.

BIRKIRKARA: Reuben Gauci, Rodrigo Pereira (65' Zach Muscat), Nikola Vukanac (81' Bernard Borg), Alejandro Mendoza, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat, Ryan Scicluna, Ryan Camenzuli, Edward Herrera, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Shola Shodiya (79' Yosimar Hernandez)

TARXIEN: David Cassar, Steve Sadowski (64' David Fenech), Manuel Caruana, Marco Tulio (64' Mark Tanti), Justin Grioli, Roderick Bajada, Leandro Almeida Da Silva, Andre Esposito (73' Andrew Agius), Daniel Mariano Bueno, Orosco Anonam, Steve Bonnici.

Scorers: 34' Paul Fenech, 56' Shola Shodiya, 58' Nikola Vukanac, 65' Shola Shodiya, 79' Edward Herrera.

Yellow Cards: Ryan Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Steve Sadowski, David Cassar, Orosco Anonam, Steve Bonnici.

Man of the match: Shola Shodiya (Birkirkara)

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