Stripes eliminate Valletta to advance in Youths' Knock Out

by Ayrton Galea - 28th March 2013

A goal by Brandon Attard in the extra time period enabled Birkirkara to move to a further round in the Youths' Knockout when in a heart-throbbing match, the Stripes made a fine comeback to turn the match around to defeat Valletta by the odd-goal in three.

Following a balanced first half, where both the Stripes and the Citizens had their respective chances of opening the score, the second half was different. Just few minutes in the seconds half, the Citizens were awarded a penalty which they converted to take the lead.

Valletta seemed to be heading for the win and for qualification to the next round, but Birkirkara equalised thanks to Kurt Zammit, with the Birkirkara players and technical team erupting in joy.

With morale sky high, Birkirkara launched the extra period in a perfect way as they surged ahead for the first time in the match thanks to Brandon Attard, after the Citizens had a player sent off.

With less than 30 minutes to go, Valletta put everything forward. David Spiteri was sent off for the Stripes, with the match restoring numerical parity as both teams were left with 10 players. However, the Stripes stood strong and managed to advance to the next round.

Opponent, date, time and venue for the next round match are still to be announced.

First Eleven: Jonathan Martinelli, Ian Schembri, Dylan Aquilina, Andre Cassar, Leon Muscat, David Spiteri, Godwin McKay, Roderick Taliana, Antoine Borg, Brandon Attard, Kurt Zammit.

Substitutes: Fabian Zammit, McAllisther Clinch, Jonathan Licari.

Scorers: Kurt Zammit, Brandon Attard.

Yellow Cards: Godwin McKay, Ian Schembri.

Red Cards: David Spiteri.

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