Under-15's keep top spot

by Ayrton Galea - 1st December 2013

Birkirkara Under-15's kept their sole leadership in the APS Under-15's League Section B thanks to a 3-0 victory over Zebbug FC.

After returning to winning ways last weekend in a 3-1 victory over Floriana, the Stripes stayed concentrated and they went on to notch their second consecutive victory thanks to this win over Zebbug.

Following another shaky first-half, where Zebbug were the best side for long stretches, the Stripes showed great attitude and they made an excellent reaction in the second half, by scoring three times without reply to register their fifth victory from seven league matches played.

The First Half

Birkirkara tried to take an early edge in the match, but they found a well prepared opponent, whose aggressive opening not only cancelled Birkirkara's efforts but also rewarded them with a slight edge.

Birkirkara struggled to penetrate, as the tactical organization of Zebbug was keeping the Birkirkara forwards at bay, and both goalkeepers were hardly tested.

The match continued to be a balanced encounter, as both sets of rear-guards were in their best form, stopping anything that came their way, with most of the possession being enjoyed in the middle of the field.

Just past the twentieth minute mark, a Zebbug player showed some great footwork in a solo action, but his final touch was weak, with the ball ending easily in the hands of the Birkirkara goalkeeper, Clyde Aquilina.

Zebbug continued to show the best ideas in the offensive department and on the twenty-fifth minute, they created the match's best opportunity with a powerful shot from diagonal angle but goalkeeper Aquilina performed an excellent save to deny Zebbug the lead.

The end of the first thirty-five minutes saw both teams sharing the spoils in a goal-less draw.

The Second Half

The half-time team talk by the Birkirkara coach must have been an inspirational one for the players, as his team went out more aggressive.

The Zebbug goalkeeper was quickly called into action. Just four minutes in the second half, he performed an excellent save following a low shot.

The Stripes surged ahead on the forty-sixth minute when following a fine through ball, Gianluca Zammit showed great striking skills by hitting past the onrushing Zebbug goalkeeper.

Birkirkara, who were now in the lead, began to play better football. Zebbug were still defending well, however they could do nothing five minutes from the end when the Stripes doubled the lead. Karl Caruana drifted inside the box before placing the ball at the back of the net.

Just before the full-time whistle, Birkirkara sealed the issue with the third goal. Following a good build-up, Isaac Cirana concluded perfectly past the goalkeeper to score the Stripes' third goal.

First Eleven: Clyde Aquilina, Jordan Sciberras, Justin Cardona, Nicholas Farrugia, Julian Camilleri, Gianluca Zammit, Ayrton Attard, Neil Micallef, Gianluca Zammit, Isaac Cirana, Karl Caruana.

Substitutes: Kyle Mifsud, Gary Spiteri, Tyron Cachia, Sergio Conti.

Scorers: 46' Gianluca Zammit, 65' Karl Caruana, 70' Isaac Cirana.

comments powered by Disqus