Under 17s Re-discover Winning Formula
by Jonathan Spiteri - 25th March 2013
Following a winless run of four matches where only one point was obtained, Birkirkara Under 17s re-discovered their winning formula when beating Mosta by the odd goal in three. This win was adamant for the Stripes, as while giving them three valuable points which kept them with a chance of obtaining a top four finish, it was also a morale boost in view of the upcoming matches.
Birkirkara wanted to make up for the poor recent run of form. The initial stages of the match were a clear indication of their intentions, and pressed Mosta who had to remain compressed in their own half. The Blues' (who on this occasion were wearing their white change strip) inability to cope with their opponents' flair in attack led to a series of fouls and it was from one of the ensuing free kicks from outside the area that Russell Gatt Deraffaele opened the score thanks to an exquisite shot that ended in the top corner of the net. Mosta tried in vain to restore equilibrium, but our boys still kept the upperhand. Not only they managed to keep them at bay, but also doubled their lead thanks to a through ball which released Leon Zammit who expertly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to make the score 2-0. The two teams went to the dressing room for half time a few minutes later.
The second half was a more balance affair as the YellowReds were keen to hold on to their two goal cushion while Mosta tried to claw one back in an attempt to salvage at least a point out of the game. As this half grew older and with nothing to show for their efforts, Mosta reverted to a more direct approach using the long balls as they committed more bodies forward. This yielded a goal since, as a result of a corner, the ball was deflected by one of our players into his own net. They piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but thanks to our lads' resolute defending did not materialise and, after some anxious moments at the end, the game finished 2-1 in favour of Birkirkara. The result felt like a shot in the arm, as one could understand from coach Mr Glumac's post-match comments. “For us it was imperative to get the three points today against a good team. Our boys remained focused and were determined to get this result, which they fully deserve. This will surely be a morale boost ahead of the upcoming fixtures”.
The Under 17s will now have to face tough opposition in the shape of Pieta' Hotspurs on Sunday 7th April at the St Patricks Grounds in Zabbar, kick off time 13:00.
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