Birkirkara beat Pieta Hotspurs

by Ayrton Galea - 13th October 2013

Birkirkara came from one goal behind to defeat First Division side Pieta Hotspurs in a friendly match with a 5-2 score played at the Sirens Grounds on Friday evening.

With both Malta National Senior and Under 21 squads involved in competitive matches, the BOV Premier League was on break. Head coach, Mr. Paul Zammit had the intention of maintain the squad's fitness and match practice by taking part in this friendly match which resulted in a good test for his players.

The Stripes had four Under 19 Players in the squad, with Russell Gatt De Raffaele making his first unofficial appearance with the Senior Squad. On the other hand, Nigerian midfielder, Raimi Bakare, who is currently on trial with our Club, also made had first unofficial appearance.

Pieta Hotspurs surged ahead on the 10th minute when they converted a penalty, but the Stripes made a strong comeback by scoring three goals in few minutes to take a comfortable lead. Jhonnattann Benites was the protagonist for the Stripes by completing a hat-trick in space of just six minutes between the 26th minute and the 32nd minute to make the score 3-1 for the Stripes. Nine minutes from the end of the first half, Pieta Hotspurs narrowed the gap with the first half ending with the Stripes leading narrowly with a 3-2 score.

In the second half, the Stripes made two changes. Ini Akpan replaced Reuben Gauci between the posts, from the start of the half. On the 56th minute Roderick Taliana was replaced by Russell Gatt Da Raffeale.

The Stripes increased the lead on the 58th minute thanks to Frank Temile who slotted home. Jhonnattann Benites sealed the issue with the fifth, and his personal fourth goal, on the 82nd minute.

First Eleven: Reuben Gauci, Antoine Borg, Mattheus Bissi, Alejandro Mendoza, McAllisther Clinch, Joseph Zerafa, Roderick Taliana, Raimi Bakare, Shola Shodiya, Jhonnattann Benites, Frank Temile.

Substitutes: 46' Ini Akpan, 56' Russell Gatt Da Raffaele.

Scorers: 26' Jhonnattann Benites, 27' Jhonnattann Benites, 32' Jhonnattann Benites, 58' Frank Temile, 82' Jhonnattann Benites.

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