Birkirkara FC win friendly tournament
by Ayrton Galea - 4th August 2010
Birkirkara emerged as the winners, beating both Marsaxlokk and Qormi, in yesterday's triangular tournament between the 3 Premier League sides; finishing the tourney with the maximum six points in front of Marsaxlokk and Qormi with just one point.
The first match between Marsaxlokk FC and Qormi FC was an uneventful match ending in a goalless draw.
The second match saw the 'Stripes' beating the 'Yellows' with a 2-0 score line.
Things were looking rather easy for the 'Stripes' after a huge mistake from Qormi's goalie. His kick hit Michael Galea causing the ball to be deflected into the net. During the 28th minute the 'Stripes' seemed to have duplicated the score as Birkirkara scored another goal, however, this was short lived as the linesman flagged an offside position. On the other hand in the last few minutes, Esequiel performed a very good save from a free kick outside the area. Finally the 'Stripes' secured their win when Emiliano Lattes turned one goal into two as he scored his first goal with our team.
In the third and final match, Birkirkara beat Marsaxlokk with a 3-2 score line in a very entertaining match.
Marsaxlokk began the match slightly more aggressive and, in fact during the 5th minute they took the lead when Alfred Effiong fired a low, powerful shot from the right which beat Manuel Bartolo who was making his debut with Birkirkara.
Birkirkara equalized just five minutes later when Pulo entered the box and was dropped, leaving the referee with no other option then to order a penalty kick and Alan Tabone delivered brilliantly.
In the 16th minute, Marsaxlokk had another good opportunity when a cross from the right, which was connected perfectly by a header, ended a little too wide.
Two minutes later another one of Alfred Effiong's shots was saved by trialist Manuel Bartolo.
On the other side of the pitch, during the 19th minute a powerful shot from the right made Michael Galea's effort end up wide.
Finally on the 21st minute, Birkirkara took the lead when Michael Galea's pass found Alan Tabone who served Emiliano Lattes and his shot found the net for the second time in the tourney.
Three minutes later, Emiliano lost a golden opportunity to score a brace against Marsaxlokk when, after Karl had rounded the goalkeeper, he passed on to Lattes and in an ideal position his effort ended wide.
On the 25th Minute, Alcorse's effort ended wide from outside the box.
On the 37th minute, Marsaxlokk equalized the score when Alfred Effiong received a pass from the middle of the field to the left wing, advanced into the box and beat Bartolo with a low sot, marking his second goal and the second for Marsaxlokk.
On the 42nd minute, Birkirkara scored the winning goal when Michael Galea's perfect pass found the youngster Ryan Scicluna, and with his wonderful shot he beat the Marsaxlokk goalie.
This tournament has surely served Mr. Paul Zammit to determine the physical level of our team. Many positive aspects were brought out from our players, especially the first goal from youngster Ryan Scicluna since he joined the senior squad.
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