Stripes drops precious points to open title race wide

by Ayrton Galea - 22nd April 2013

Football has a habit of springing surprises, and most of Maltese football followers witnessed a huge surprise on Saturday afternoon as leaders Birkirkara received a major setback in their challenge of winning the title when they were held by Mosta in a goal-less draw.

Having been denied from moving five points clear on top of the table last week with a controversial penalty, Birkirkara's magnificent performance against Hibernians surely caught the attention of every follower.

However, football is unpredictable, and no one predicted that the Stripes would drop points in this stage of the league.

One should give credit to Mosta for their match, despite the Stripes having total control of the match. It would be unfair to say that the Stripes did not try anything possible to win this delicate encounter. However, the Blues produced an empathic performance in the defence which kept the Stripes' forwards at bay.

Birkirkara paid the sourest price for this disappointing draw as they lost their sole leadership and they are now on level-points with Hibernians who made a great come-back to defeat Sliema Wanderers in the following match.

With four players missing, Mr. Paul Zammit changed his stylish 3-5-2 formation to another offensive formation of 4-3-3, with Jhonnattann, Shola Shodiya and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza forming the forward line. Yosimar Hernandez was given a first-eleven start.

The First Half

Birkirkara, backed by their numerous supporters who once again packed their side, came out aggressive, clearly looking for an early opener but they had to wait till 14 minutes to seriously threaten goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia for the first time.

Edward Herrera made a fine run on the right flank, before serving Jhonnattann who did well to anticipate his marker but failed to hit the ball properly. The ball was deflected in the direction of Mifsud Triganza whose shot was unluckily cleared off the goal-line by Tyrone Farrugia.

Five minutes later, Zach Muscat served Shola Shodiya on the edge of the area with the Nigerian striker sending through Mifsud Triganza but the pass was too long for the prolific striker to reach.

On the 23rd minute, Birkirkara should have surged ahead. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza found space in the box and from an ideal position, he shot wide to lose a great opportunity.

Two minutes later, Birkirkara continued to show their total domination and hunger for the opener. Jhonnattann found space in the box but he concluded too weak and too central to worry goalkeeper Farrugia.

Despite being continually under pressure, Mosta began to gain confidence as they were defending in an intelligent matter. To continue boosting their confidence, the Blues also went near mid-way through the first half.

Bryan Agius intelligently sent a perfect pass in direction of Fabio Vignaroli but his close-range effort was blocked by Haber, and cleared into safety by Zach Muscat.

On the half-hour mark, Birkirkara created a great opportunity. Following a short clearance by the Blues' defence, Ryan Scicluna fired a powerful drive which was tipped into a corner in an acrobatic save by goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia.

Birkirkara continued to create better opportunities as time continued to pass. Just three minutes later from Ryan Scicluna's drive, Birkirkara were denied from the opening goal once again, this time getting closer as it was only the post who denied them the lead.

Shola Shodiya was a continuous torment for the Mosta's defence. He served Yosimar Hernandez who rounded with a stylish feint, before his low powerful shot hit the post and ended in a goal-kick.

Ten minutes from the end of the first half, Mosta created their best opportunity when Bryan Agius fired a vicious attempt from a long-range which brought the best out of Justin Haber.

Mosta's enthusiasm suffered a massive blow on the 37 minutes when Danail Mitev kicked Zach Muscat with referee sending off the offensive midfielder following consultation with his assistant Roberto Vella.

The first half ended with a goal-less draw, with the Stripes frustrated for failing to score in the first forty-five minutes.

The Second Half

With just forty-five minutes left, the Stripes knew that pressure will be piling up as time goes by and only the three points would satisfy them.

One would have expected Birkirkara to come all out for the opening goal but despite continually putting the pressure on the Blues, the latter were defending in a great way, leaving the Stripes at bay and failing conclude. In fact, the Stripes had their first attempt on goal on the 58th minute when Shodiya's shot ended over.

Just past the one-hour, Mr. Paul Zammit utilised his first substitution when he withdrew Yosimar Hernandez who gave a good performance and included Ryan Camenzuli with the aim to penetrate more from the flanks.

Danilo Doncic, the Mosta's Head Coach was quick in his reply as he included Jonathan Bajada replacing hard worker Bryan Agius.

Birkirkara grew increasingly frustrated as Mosta crowded their penalty area, giving little room to the Stripes forwards.

Zammit's next move was to bring on striker Joselito for wing-back Joseph Zerafa.

Birkirkara finally threatened three minutes from time but Nikola Vukanac, taking a more advanced role, headed wide from Haruna's cross.

The Stripes' last chance arrived in injury time when Scicluna produced a rising shot from outside the area which flashed just wide. Mosta held on to gain a deserved point leaving the Stripes guilty for not making the best out of the match's episodes to leave the pitch with just one point.

Goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia of Mosta was voted of the BoV man of the match.

BIRKIRKARA: Justin Haber, Joseph Zerafa (74' Joselito Dos Reis), Zach Muscat, Nikola Vukanac, Edward Herrera, Gareth Sciberras, Ryan Scicluna, Yosimar Hernandez (63' Ryan Camenzuli), Shola Shodiya, Jhonnattann Benites, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

MOSTA: Jeffrey Farrugia, Ferdinando Apap, Tyrone Farrugia, Mano Micallef (76' Bruno Chikwado, Bryan Agius (69' Jonathan Bajada), Ryan Grech, Danail Mitev, Kurt Magro, Alex Cini, Carlos Campagnoli, Fabio Vignaroli (90' Steve Bezzina)

Yellow Cards: 90+' Zach Muscat (Birkirkara), Manolito Micallef (Mosta)

Red Cards: 38' Danail Mitev (Mosta)

Man of the match: Jeffrey Farrugia (Mosta)

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