Under-17's register important victory

by Ayrton Galea - 9th December 2013

Birkirkara Under-17's notched their first win in the APS Under-17's Section A, with a goal in each half being enough to beat Pembroke Athleta FC with a score of 2-0. This was an important win, in their bid against relegation.

Following the heavy 7-0 defeat against Sliema Wanderera, the Stripes took the perfect opportunity to bounce back, by beating bottom-placed Pembroke, who are still searching for their first points.

The victory was a deserved one for the Stripes who showed the best ideas throughout the ninety minutes. Clint Zammit put the Stripes ahead in the first half. Pembroke then tried to make a reaction early in the second half but the Stripes added a second goal to seal the issue and take the precious three points.

For the Stripes, this was an essential victory as they reduced the gap with eighth-placed Mosta. They also kept pace with Valletta, who in the surprise of the weekend, defeated Sliema Wanderers.

The First Half

The Stripes went out aggressive as they sought an early lead. They were quick to take an edge over their opponents, and Pembroke were reduced to clear the ball into safety. The Stripes enjoyed most of the possession.

Birkirkara, showing the best ideas in the pitch, continued to enjoy the control of the match, but Pembroke were being organised as they were defending in numbers.

Birkirkara, were becoming frustrated, as despite being the better team, they could not score. They increased their efforts and they were rewarded with the opening goal.

Lack of luck had already denied the former Valletta striker, Clint Zammit, on two occasions. Clint did not give in, and he put Birkirkara in the lead with a fine volley hitting past Pembroke's goalkeeper, with the ball ending in the right top corner.

The Stripes, boosted by this early goal, continued to show the best ideas, but the referee's half-time whistle found Zammit's goal making all the difference.

The Second Half

Pembroke went out stronger in the second half as they tried to make a reaction.

For the first minutes, they enjoyed more possession but the brave Stripes defended well, and neutralised anything that was thrown at them.

The Stripes began to find their feet again, and they were quick to double their lead.

Ryan Muscat pressured a Pembroke defender, who passed the ball to his goalkeeper without looking, only to find that the goalkeeper was already out of his goal. The ball rolled into the net to for an unfortunate own goal, and made the score 2-0 for the Stripes.

With two goals down, Pembroke's spirit was broken, and the Stripes continued to show a strong attitude to comfortably control the match till the final whistle.

The Referee's full-time whistle found the Stripes registering their first victory in the APS Under-17's League Section A.

Birkirkara will be involved in another direct clash in the fight against relegation in the next match against Mosta. Date, time and venue are still to be announced by the Youth FA.

First Eleven: Luke Chircop, Aaron Montebello, Darren Buttigieg, Zachary Cassar, Maximilian Borg Bartolo, Nigel Buegja, Andre Debono, Fabien Lufi, Bjorn Brincat, Ryan Muscat, Clint Zammit.

Substitutes: Jean Claude Grech, Neil Zahra, Roberto Curmi, Wayne Farrugia.

Scorers: Clint Zammit, Own Goal.

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