Girls Under-16's defeated in opening match

by Ayrton Galea - 21st October 2013

Birkirkara FC's Girls Under-16's Team failed to start their league campaign on a positive note as three goals without reply in the second half saw them unexpectedly conceding defeat at the hands of Pembroke Athleta FC.

Although the score is a bit harsh in the Stripes, especially for their efforts in the second half, Pembroke were the deserved winners as they played better football and had better ideas, especially in front of goal.

The first-eleven selection featured two changes from last season. Goalkeeper Jennifer Galea replaced Janice Xuereb as the latter is now over age to compete in this league, while one of this Summer's signings, Tara Attard was making her first appearance in this competition with our Club.

The First Half

The early stages proved to be balanced, yet aggressive from both sides.

Birkirkara created the first scoring opportunity of the match, when on the third minute Alishia Sultana tried her luck with a long-distance drive from almost the half of the pitch which ended over the crossbar by inches.

Pembroke replied on the thirteenth minute when Rodiana Borg had a low shot saved by goalkeeper Jennifer Galea.

Just sixteen minutes in the match, Mr. Johann Scicluna effected his first substitution as he replaced Raina Giusti with Kelly Lee.

Birkirkara created a fine opportunity on the seventeenth minute as Tara Attard had a diagonal shot saved by goalkeeper Mifsud.

Three minutes later, the Stripes threatened again, this time by substitute Kelly Lee who had a long-distance shot ending wide.

The same player was in action once again on the twenty-second minute as she had a powerful free-kick ending over.

Just seconds later, on the other side of the pitch, Pembroke went close with a fine shot which ended over.

The balanced first-half ended in a goal-less draw.

The Second Half

Three minutes in the second half, Alishia Sultana had a dangerous cross-shot saved by goalkeeper Mifsud.

Pembroke continued to show their resilient character as they did not hold back. Leanne Micallef had a fine shot ending over on the half-hour mark.

The Stripes created the match's best opportunity on the thirty-first minute. Kelly Lee delivered an excellent free-kick which was met by Mariah Sciberras with goalkeeper Mifsud making a decisive save denying the Stripes from the opening goal.

Close to the thirty-fifth minute mark, Pembroke created a fine scoring opportunity with a dangerous shot which was deflected into a corner kick.

Pembroke managed to surge ahead on the 38th minute. Following a low cross, Rodiana Borg hit low past goalkeeper Galea to put her side in the lead.

Two minutes later, Tara Attard almost grabbed the equalising goal for the Stripes with a powerful shot which brought the best of goalkeeper Mifsud to make an excellent save.

Darya Attard tried her luck with a powerful shot from distance on the forty-first minute which ended over.

Birkirkara were unlucky not to score when Alishia Sultana's screamer from saw the ball smashed against the crossbar on the forty-fourth minute.

The lack of luck of Birkirkara was a protagonist once again five minutes from the end as the Birkirkara defender, aiming to clear into safety, the ball hit Darya Attard and ended in the net.

Two became three for Pembroke thanks to Leanne Micallef who beat goalkeeper Galea with a powerful shot.

Just before the full-time whistle, the Stripes, in their desperate attempt to narrow the gap, hit the post once again, this time by Kelly Lee.

The full-time whistle found the Stripes suffering the first defeat of the league.

Birkirkara: Jennifer Galea, Alexia Galea, Julia Micallef, Alishia Sultana, Tara Attard, Raina Giusti (16' Kelly Lee), Mariah Sciberras.

Pembroke: Nicole Mifsud, Daniela Camilleri, Leanne Micallef, Darya Attard, Rodiana Borg, Leona Vella, Rebecca Zammit.

Scorers: 38' Rodiana Borg, 45' Darya Attard, 46' Leanne Micallef.

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