Mifsud Triganza gives Birkirkara fresh breath

by Ayrton Galea - 3rd March 2013

Birkirkara kept their title hopes alive on Saturday afternoon when thanks to a superb performance, the Stripes bounced back from last week's defeat to beat Hibernians with a solitary goal.

After suffering a disappointing defeat against Sliema Wanderers last week to fall four points behind joint leaders Valletta and Hibernians, some thought that Birkirkara were out of the title race, but the Stripes sent a warning shot that they will not throw in the towel that easy.

In a match where most of the scoring chances fell to Birkirkara's feet, it was Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza's striker three minutes from the half time whistle to put the Stripes back in the hunt for the title.

With Valletta failing to beat Sliema Wanderers as they were held in a goal-less draw, this was a priceless win for the Stripes as now they are just two points away from the leaders Valletta and just one point under Hibernians.

However, Birkirkara could feel lucky that they did not pay a sour price for all the scoring chances they squandered as they had several chances to increase the lead and put their mind at rest, but they failed to convert. In the dying minutes, Hibernians went close with two occasions which could have seen them grabbing a dramatic equaliser.

Mr. Paul Zammit opted for the 3-5-2 formation for this clash and he made four changes from last week's outing. Justin Haber replaced Reuben Gauci, Rodrigo Pereira replaced Zach Muscat, Ryan Scicluna replaced Ryan Camenzuli and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was awarded a first-eleven selection choice as he replaced suspended Shola Shodiya.

Before the match, two representatives of Birkirkara Ultras presented a bunch of flowers to a member of the Hibernians Ultras, as a sign of solidarity, following the death of his mother earlier that week. The gesture was received warmly by the Hibernians supporters as shown by their applause.

The First Half

The match started on a low rhythm, which began to increase as time went by, as both teams settled more and played more offensive football.

Birkirkara had their first attempt on goal after nearly 20 minutes when Mifsud Triganza released Jhonnattann whose powerful shot ended over. On the other hand, Hibernians replied thanks to Jean Paul Farrugia who had a dangerous cross-shot with the ball ending wide of the far post.

The Stripes had a glorious opportunity to surge ahead. In a two versus one situation, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza advanced in the box and could have concluded himself as he was in an ideal position. However, he crossed to the unmarked Jhonnattann, and his cross was headed into a safety by Adrian Pulis.

On the 36th minute, Jackson Lima of Hibernians had a direct free-kick on goal punched away by goalkeeper Justin Haber. A minute later, Hibernians protested strongly for a penalty when Jean Paul Farrugia seemed to be floored down inside the box, but referee Andre Arciola waved play on.

Birkirkara seemed to be comfortable in their counter attacks as they were always being dangerous. Jhonnattann and Paul Fenech exchanged the ball and the latter's attempt was blocked by Mario Muscat.

And when the match was heading for the half time break, three minutes from time, Birkirkara surged ahead. In another fast counter attack, Ryan Scicluna served an unmarked Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, who fired home from close range to give Birkirkara a priceless lead just before the half time.

With little time to react for Hibernians, the half time score ended with Birkirkara having a narrow lead.

The Second Half

Still fresh from breaking the dead-lock, Birkirkara opened the second half better and nine minutes in the second half, they threatened to double their lead. Off a Jhonnattann's freekick, Nikola Vukanac headed wide.

The Stripes continued to show better ideas. From a powerful long-range drop-kick by the Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber, Adrian Pulis of Hibernians failed to intercept, with speedy Jhonnattann reaching the ball and trying his luck on goal but his effort ended wide.

Hibernians created their first action in the second half close to the hour mark. Marcelo Dias, in one of the very rare opportunities when he had a bit of space, sent a fine cross in the direction of Andrew Cohen at the far post but the National midfielder was intelligently well anticipated by Alejandro Mendoza.

With Hibernians gaining some confidence, Birkirkara opted to operate with their fast counter-attacks.

Mid-way through the second half, Birkirkara went close once again thanks to Vukanac who saw another dangerous header blocked by Muscat.

Former Hibernians player, Edward Herrera should have doubled the lead for Birkirkara at the 74 minutes. Herrera's speed was too much for the Hibernians' defenders to deal with as he went past two defenders, cutting down to the box but his final powerful shot ended far over.

With less than fifteen minutes remaining, Mr. Paul Zammit utilised two substitutions in order to keep the solitary goal lead. The only scorer of the match, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was replaced with Rowen Muscat to strengthen the midfield department while Joselito Dos Reis replaced Jhonnattann.

Joselito quickly made an impact on the match as he served Ryan Scicluna who all alone against Muscat hesitated to conclude and his effort was blocked by an on-rushing Pulis.

Five minutes from time, fresh Ryan Camenzuli replaced hard-worker Ryan Scicluna.

Three minutes from time, Hibernians were unlucky not to equalise when off a direct freekicky by Andrew Cohen, the ball hit the upright.

With Hibernians putting everything forward in a desperate search for the equalising goal, Jean Paul Farrugia almost notched the leveller when following a short clearance off a Jackson Lima's cross, Farrugia's volley scratched past the crossbar.

The full time whistle found Birkirkara back on track to keep the title hopes alive.

Birkirkara's Edward Herrera who was a continuous torment on the wing was voted as the BOV player of the match.

BIRKIRKARA: Justin Haber, Rodrigo Pereira, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza, Gareth Sciberras, Ryan Scicluna (85' Ryan Camenzuli), Paul Fenech, Edward Herrera, Joseph Zerafa, Jhonnattann Da Concecao (78' Joselito Dos Reis), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (76' Rowen Muscat)

HIBERNIANS: Mario Muscat, Adrian Pulis, Ryan Camilleri, Rodolfo Soares, Marcelo Dias, Andrew Cohen, Bjorn Kristensen (52' Johann Bezzina), Jackson Lima, Clayton Failla, Jean Paul Farrugia, Allan Kardeck (74' Jonathan Pearson)

Scorers: 42' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Yellow Cards: Joseph Zerafa, Rodrigo Pereira, Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Jean Paul Farrugia, Marcelo Dias, Ryan Camilleri, Allan Kardeck, Clayton Failla (Hibernians)

BOV Player of the match: Edward Herrera (Birkirkara)

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