Stripes beat Balzan in the direct clash

by Ayrton Galea - 8th April 2017

Birkirkara FC registered their third consecutive victory in the BOV Premier League and moved just three points away from the third place, when they emerged as winners in the direct clash against Balzan with a 3-1 score.

The Stripes confirmed their rich form with another very satisfactory performance and now opened wide the challenge for the third place. The Stripes are now just three points under Balzan and four under Valletta, after the latter dropped two points in a 1-1 draw against Gzira United.

It was a deserved victory for Nikola Jaros' side who enjoyed an edge over their opponents for long stretches. They had large swatches of possession while they produced the best ideas throughout the match.

Srdjan Dimitrov scored a wonderful goal to break the dead-lock but Bojan Kaljevic made the score level in the second half. Gonzalo Malan restored the lead by converting a penalty while Vito Plut wrapped-up the three precious points with a late goal.

Coach Nikola Jaros made three changes from three changes from the last match. Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa and Edward Herrera replaced Predrag Jovic, James Brincat and the unavailable Miguel Alba.

The First Half

Birkirkara opened well as they dictated possession in the opening stages. On the fifteenth minute, following a cross from the right, Gonzalo Malan's header ended over. Three minutes later, Christian Bubalovic headed wide a corner kick taken by Dimitrov.

A set-piece for each side resulted in a good opportunity when first, Ryan Fenech had his dangerous direct free-kick ending wide while six minutes later, Dimitrov's firm free-kick was blocked by goalkeeper Ivan Janusevic.

The Stripes broke the dead-lock with a spectacular goal on the thirty-six minutes. Matthew Guillaumier's header reached Dimitrov who showed great technique to hit the ball first-time and his curling effort ended into the top-corner for a wonderful goal.

Balzan were stunned, but they managed to make an immediate reaction as they went close for an instant equaliser. Bojan Kaljevic served Alfred Effiong had his powerful drive ending wide from a good position inside the box.

The Second Half

Gonzalo Malan did a fine diagonal run inside the box but his shot from a tight angle ended wide. On the other side of the pitch, Ryan Fenech had a fine low shot ending wide.

Malan was having a satisfactory performance and he went close to double the lead. Picking-up the ball from past the half-way line, the strong forward unleashed a thunderous drive from distance that goalkeeper Janusevic turned into a corner kick with a great save.

Balzan fought back and made the score level eleven minutes inside the second half. A cross from the right by Dylan Grima saw the league's top-scorer Bojan Kaljevic drilling a low volley past goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

The Stripes quickly regrouped and regained the lead just eighth minutes later. Dimitrov was brought inside in the box by Elkin Serrano Valero and the referee ordered the penalty. From the spot, Malan made no mistake as he fired home to score his second goal in two matches.

Balzan put more men up-front and Kaljevic saw his close-range effort after set by substitute Micallef ending wide. Kaljevic was in action again but his free-kick was turned into a corner with an excellent save of goalkeeper Bonello.

Birkirkara sealed the victory seven minutes from time. In a fast break-away, Edward Herrera raced forward before serving substitute Vito Plut with an inch-perfect pass and the Slovenian forward hit home with a low shot.

Srdjan Dimitrov was named the BOV Player of the Match.

BIRKIRKARA: Henry Bonello, Edward Herrera, Christian Bubalovic, Gareth Sciberras, Matthew Guillaumier (77' Edmond Agius), Mislav Andelkovic, Srdjan Dimitrov (67' Vito Plut), Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Cain Attard, Gonzalo Malan (90+1' James Brincat).

BALZAN: Ivan Janusevic, Anderson De Barros, Dylan Grima (82' Paul Lapira), Bruno Gilio De Oliveira, Alan Da Silva Souza, Ryan Fenech (67' Lydon Micallef), Steve Bezzina, Bojan Kaljevic, Alfred Effiong, Elkin Serrano Valero, Matteo Picciolo (53' Terence Agius).

Referee: Glenn Tonna
Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Peter Abela
Additional Assistant Referees: Sandro Spiteri, Eman Grech
Fourth Official: Ryan Aquilina.

Yellow Cards: 28' Ryan Fenech (Balzan), 46' Gonzalo Malan (Birkirkara)

Scorers: 36' Srdjan Dimitrov, 64' Gonzalo Malan, 83' Vito Plut (Birkirkara), 56' Bojan Kaljevic (Balzan).

BOV Player of the Match: Srdjan Dimitrov (Birkirkara).

comments powered by Disqus