Stripes back to winning chores

Birkirkara 2
Pietà Hotspurs 0

With the destination of the league crown made known last Wednesday, there was little at stake in the second clash of the afternoon. Apart from prestige, Birkirkara's concern was that of at least holding on to second place in the table and an assured spot in the UEFA Cup competition.

Their last defeat at the hands of Valletta may have taken some stuffing out of them. However, true to their spirit, they re-assembled their mental forces to sink a disappointing Pietà team, who again had a man sent off. This time the dismissed player was Giacomo Paniccia, who unfortunately, cannot control his temper and rarely fails to keep a clean sheet in terms of punitive cards.

The match was nothing to write about, especially in the first half when action on either goalmouth was few and far between.

The Stripes' superior collective play particularly after they netted the second goal from the penalty spot early in the second period, was beyond question and that made their victory a more legitimate one.

The Hotspurs, who put up a sprightly display against new champions Sliema Wanderers last Tuesday, fell into the same rut as they had done in their 5-0 drubbing against Valletta.

They had two regular attackers back and even if they had a shortfall in their defensive capabilities they failed miserably to make an impact on the game. Consistency is not their forte this season, a malady from which the Stripes also suffered in their recent matches.

At least, Birkirkara were back to their winning chores and holding on to second place.

Their speculative play early on was only tampered by a fine Haber save on Paniccia. The Yellow-Reds' edge in possession could not be translated into promising openings as the Pietà rearguard, without the suspended Digger Okonkwo and Mauro Di Lello held firm.

The only ripple came from a tame Calascione effort from the left byeline, stopped by Darmanin on his second attempt. Otherwise, it was drab almost all the way, with the very sparse crowd - now a familiar feature at Ta' Qali - watching tacitly from the stands. The silence was eerie.

Pietà were mostly concentrated in their own half, with their 4-3-2-1 formation trying to get their opponents on the wrong foot as the returning Jamie Pace complemented Paniccia's grafting with his long runs on the ball.

The match seemed to be heading to a goalless first half, when, suddenly the Stripes went in front. A Pietà defender lost the ball allowing Oba to lay towards Lino Galea. Darmanin blocked with his foot, but Calascione was on hand to head the loose ball home. At least, there was a cheer from the thin Birkirkara faction.

The brightness of the day was slowly dimming and that was in consonance with the dull fare being provided. At least, Birkirkara had sparked off the only reaction from the spectators.

Although little tangible was at stake, something better was expected in the second period. Free from any untoward pressure, the players could provide it.

Three minutes into the second half, assistant referee Konrad Borg signalled for an infringement in the area against Pietà - possibly a hands - and the referee awarded Birkirkara a penalty. The bemused Hotspurs players surrounded the official for a little while. Matters were soon sorted out and Dronca drilled beautifully past Darmanin.

Eight minutes later, Paniccia was ordered off following a second bookable offence. He had earlier tested Haber on a typically well-hit free-kick.

With two goals and a man-up, Birkirkara were a sure bet to collect the points. They held a firm grip on proceedings and could have gone three goals up, but for Darmanin's double save on Calascione.

At the other end, the alert Haber pulled off another save, this time on Kevin Mamo, who had run clear on a Woods through ball.

Shortly before the end, Darmanin dived spectacularly to deny Roderick Briffa, while Haber again saved on Pace.

Birkirkara: J. Haber, L. Galea, W. Camenzuli, M. Calascione (M.A. Bonnici), C. Nwoko, C. Micallef (J. Marx), R. Oba, L. Dronca, R. Briffa, G. Mallia (A. Tabone), L. Dimech.

Pietà H.: S. Darmanin, P. Aquilina, G. Sciberras, I. Woods, G. Paniccia, K. Mamo (C. Sammut), S. Pace, L. Lombardi, V. Obidimalor, A. Debono (S. Ciscaldi), J. Pace (S. Cappitta).

Referee: Charlie Agius.

Scorers: Calascione 40th, Dronca 47th pen.

Yellow Cards: Camenzuli, Aquilina.

Red Card: Paniccia.

Player of the match: Lucien Dronca (Birkirkara).