Late comeback restores winning ways for Stripes
by Ayrton Galea - 2nd September 2013
Maltese Champions Birkirkara had to struggle more than expected and it was a late strike by Matheus Bissi, four minutes from time that completed the comeback for the Stripes to beat Balzan with a 2-1 score.
Having received an early cold shower, when former Birkirkara player Rodrigo Pereira put Balzan ahead after just four minutes, the match turned to be an uphill struggle for the Stripes. Defending in numbers, and making the best of time, the opponents frustrated the Stripes for long stretches, but after Shola Shodiya grabbed the equalising goal, the Maltese champions regained confidence before scoring the winning goal four minutes from time.
It was a balanced match, as despite Birkirkara enjoying most of the possession for long stretches, Balzan did not leave an inch at the back as a concentrated rear-guard led by Rodrigo Pereira frustrated the Stripes to penetrate. The opponents might feel unlucky to leave the Victor Tedesco Stadium without any points, after their utmost effort.
On the other hand, the Stripes were rewarded for their never-give-up attitude as they resisted the pressure in an excellent way to kept fighting to turn the match around and register the first comeback of the season.
Thanks to this win, the Stripes are on the right track after dropping two points against Sliema Wanderers last Saturday when they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Also, this win enabled the Maltese Champions to keep the pace with all three main challengers, Hibernians, Sliema Wanderers and Valletta respectively who also all registered wins on Saturday.
Birkirkara's Head Coach went out for this match with an offensive 4-3-3 formation. Edward Herrera, who was back from a one match ban and Terence Vella were given the green light in the first-eleven selection. The Stripes had Alejandro Mendoza missing as he was unavailable for this match, while Frank Temile who was not in the best medical condition. The Club's latest signings, Daniel Zerafa was among the substitutes.
The First Half
The Champions had no time to settle, as just after four minutes, in the first scoring opportunity, Balzan surged ahead. Following a free-kick from the right taken by Dylan Grima, an unmarked Rodrigo Pereira rose high and found no difficulty to slot the ball home.
This was a shocking start for the Stripes, however, the Champions quickly picked themselves up and began to drive forward for the equalising goal.
On the five minute mark, Shola Shodiya produced a fine solo action as he rounded a player before concluding with a powerful shot. However his central shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Daniel Miguel Martinez.
Have been highly motivated by this early goal, Balzan quickly began to make the best of their advantage as they wasted no time to start defending in numbers, a move which made the Stripes struggle to penetrate.
Close to the 20th minute mark, the Stripes had an excellent opportunity to score. Following a short clearance, the ball fell at Edward Herrera's feet who saw his first-time volley ending over.
Six minutes later, the Stripes were again on the attack. Matheus Bissi took charge of a free-kick outside the box, but his effort ended wide off Martinez's right post.
However, Balzan did not hold back. Just a minute later, they produced a fine opportunity in a bid to double their lead. Dylan Grima's through-ball in direction of Mark Spiteri saw him anticipating Haber but he sent the ball just inches wide off the goalpost.
The Stripes were frustrated with Balzan's approach to this game, and they looked short of ideas. In fact, the only way to drive forward seemed to be thanks to the long precise balls by Matheus Bissi, who was continually sending Edward Herrera through on the right wing, where Birkirkara were creating their most dangerous attacks.
Ten minutes from half-time, Paul Fenech tried one of his typical long distance shots, but his attempt was saved by goalkeeper Martinez.
On the 43rd minute, Demba Toure saw his precise free-kick saved by Martinez. Just before the half-time whistle, Shola Shodiya produced yet another fine solo action as his fine footwork created chaos in Balzan's defence, before concluding his action with a fine strike which drifted past the right post.
The first half saw the Stripes failing to impress and, the half-time whistle by Glenn Tonna saw Balzan deservingly in the lead.
The Second Half
After their unconvincing first half, Birkirkara needed to inject a dose of urgency and vigour into their game to break down the erstwhile solid Balzan. Mr. Zammit included Frank Temile to replace Terence Vella who sustained a head injury and had to be replaced.
However, Birkirkara's high hopes that Temile could change the story of the match were dashed shortly after. The Stripes' woes continued when the Nigerian striker lasted only fifteen minutes on the pitch as he had to be replaced as he was struggling with the same groin injury which kept him out of last Saturday's clash.
Ryan Scicluna took his place, with Edward Herrera being advanced to a right wing position to fire-up the Birkirkara attack.
Balzan continued to catch the eye by their tactical organisation as they were denying the Stripes from opportunities to penetrate. With the Champions desperate for the equaliser, they were leaving some space at the back with Balzan being quick to launch their counter-attacks.
However, the move by the Birkirkara's Head Coach seemed to be the turning point of the match, as coupled with the half-time team-talk, and the move to advance Herrera gave a complete edge over Balzan.
in fact it was Edward Herrera who was the protagonist of producing an excellent cross which led to the equalising goal. Eighteen minutes from time, Herrera provided a precise cross on the first post which saw Shola Shodiya rising high to head a powerful header which gave no chance to Martinez.
This goal filled Birkirkara with confidence, but their task was not over yet. With the time trickling away, they still needed to find the winner and the Champions put everything forward.
With the Stripes in the Balzan's half pitch, as the latter were defending with no less than ten players behind the ball, the Champions still were not finding the way through. Paul Fenech saw his long-distance attempt ending over the crossbar with Martinez left staring.
The Champions had the illusion that they took the lead ten minutes from time when Edward Herrera sent a perfect cross-shot which surprised Martinez but the Spaniard somehow cleared the ball thanks to an excellent save.
However, moments later, the Stripes were almost shocked by the second goal as a corner by Firaz Aboulezz saw once again Rodrigo Pereira being unmarked but his header this time ended over.
Balzan seemed to be on the right track to register the first surprise of the league and take a point from the Champions but four minutes from time, the Stripes completed the comeback. It was Edward Herrera who once again provided another excellent cross which saw Matheus Bissi's powerful header beat Martinez but the ball was then cleared. However, the referee validated the goal. This decision brought harsh protests from Balzan who claimed that the ball had not crossed the line but the decision stood.
With no time to make any reaction, referee Glenn Tonna's full time whistle after the three added minutes saw Birkirkara collecting the three points while keeping the pace with Sliema Wanderers, Valletta and Hibernians.
Edward Herrera, who played a big part in both goals of the Stripes, besides having an excellent performance, especially in the second half was voted as the BOV man of the match.
BIRKIRKARA: Justin Haber, Edward Herrera, Matheus Bissi, Zach Muscat, Joseph Zerafa, Rowen Muscat, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech (85' Ryan Camenzuli), Terence Vella (45' Frank Temile) (60' Ryan Scicluna), Demba Toure, Shola Shodiya.
BALZAN: Daniel Miguel Martinez, Firaz Aboulezz (87' Ryan Darmanin), Steve Bezzina, Gianluca Calabretta (84' Erjon Beu), Justin Grioli, Jose Luis Armario Negrin (59' Lydon Micallef), Rodrigo Pereira, Andrew Scicluna, Mark Spiteri, Fabio Vignarolli.
Referee: Glenn Tonna.
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Albert Borg Cardona.
Fourth Official: Alan Mario Sant.
Yellow Cards: Paul Fenech, Matheus Bissi (Birkirkara), Gianluca Calabretta, Firaz Aboulezz, Steve Bezzina, Ryan Darmanin (Balzan)
Scorers: 72' Shola Shodiya, 86' Matheus Bissi (Birkirkara), 4' Rodrigo Pereira (Balzan).
BOV Man of the match: Edward Herrera (Birkirkara).
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