Girls Under-16's denied by late goal

by Ayrton Galea - 25th February 2014

Birkirkara Girls Under-16's were last Sunday denied from narrowing the gap with leaders Pembroke Athleta FC, when a late goal denied Birkirkara from the three points as they were held in a 2-2 draw against Gozo FC.

The Stripes were on track to register their second consecutive victory. Two goals late in the game turned the game in their favour, after Gozo took the lead in the first half, but the latter had an excellent strike two minutes from time to take a point and deny the Stripes precious points.

The First Half

The match started on a high tempo as both teams threatened quickly inside the opening minutes. Yanika Mercieca of Gozo had a shot turned into a corner by goalkeeper Jennifer Galea, on the second minute. Raina Giusti replied for Birkirkara just one minute later, with a fine strike which ended over the bar.

Mariah Sciberras won possession after continuous pressing, but from an ideal position, she saw her shot scratching past the post on the fifth minute.

The Stripes continued to show signs of superiority. Just two minutes later, debutant Naomi Mizzi was unlucky not to put her name on the score-sheet, when she had a fierce shot from outside the box denied by the foot of the post.

Birkirkara, who were all over their opponents, threatened once again on the eleventh minute as Maraih Sciberras had a fine shot which was blocked thanks to an excellent save by goalkeeper Melanie Cefai.

The Stripes should have taken the lead on the tweenteith minute. Raina Giusti showed great vision to put Mariah Sciberras in an ideal one-versus-one against goalkeeper Cefai, but Sciberras' central shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Gozo reminded the Stripes that there is high price to pay for not converting scoring opportunities. Just two minutes before the break, the Gozitans surged ahead against the run of the play. A deflected effort hit the corner flag to stay in play and Keeva Camilleri advanced and hit past goalkeeper Jennifer Galea.

With little time to make any sort of reaction, the first half ended with Birkirkara chasing the game despite having a big number of scoring opportunities.

The Second Half

The second half lacked scoring opportunities, as Gozo opted to defend their narrow lead, rather than seeking to seal the issue.

Two minutes inside the second half, Raina Giusti served Mariah Sciberras and the promising youngster had an in-swinging shot ending wide.

The Stripes lost another great opportunity on the thirty-third minute. Mariah Sciberras took possession thanks to erratic defending, but her shot from inside the box was central, and easily saved by goalkeeper Cefai.

However, Sciberras made up for the previous golden opportunity lost, when she equalised for Birkirkara ten minutes from time. Raina Giusti was once again the protagonist by providing an excellent pass ,and Mariah Sciberras converted, aided by a deflection of Christina Theuma.

The Stripes were now boosted by the first goal, and they were quick to complete the comeback. Raina Giusti hit a first-time volley from outside the box which hit past goalkeeper Cefai and the Birkirkara players erupted with joy.

As Birkirkara were heading to a difficult, yet well-deserved victory, Gozitan Keeva Camilleri had different ideas as she hit an excellent shot from distance which surprised goalkeeper Jennifer Galea, to earn a point for her team.

The Stripes will now be involved in a direct clash this Sunday when they face the only unbeaten side in the league, Pembroke Athletha FC.

BIRKIRKARA: Jennifer Galea, Tara Attard, Giulia Micallef, Alishia Sultana, Naomi Mizzi (36' Sarah Urpani), Raina Giusti, Mariah Sciberras (47' Alexia Galea).

GOZO: Melanie Cefai, Keeva Camilleri, Leanne Cefai, Greta Grima, Maria Farrugia, Yanika Mercieca, Christina Theuma.

Scorers: 40' Mariah Sciberras, 45' Raina Giusti (Birkirkara), 23' Keeva Camilleri, 48' Keeva Camilleri (Gozo).

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