Birkirkara regroup after early setback

Slaven Belipo 1
BIrkirkara 0

A third-minute goal, scored by Csaba Cszimadia, earned Slaven Belupo a minimal 1-0 win over Birkirkara in the first leg of the Europa League first qualifying round at the Gradski Stadium yesterday.

It was an encouraging performance from Paul Zammit's men who produced a stout defensive display that frustrated the Croat side for long stretches. The final result leaves the tie still wide open ahead of next week's second leg at the Centenary Stadium where the Stripes will be targeting victory by two goals that would secure them a place in the next round.

Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, gave new signing Sylvano Comvalius his first start since his move from Ħamrun Spartans earlier this week as the Dutchman was deployed as a lone striker.

Birkirkara looked shaky at the start and found themselves a goal behind early in the match. Slaven Belupo were awarded a free-kick on the left. Aliosa Voinovic's cross was met by the unmarked Csizmadia who beat Birkirkara goalkeeper Omar Borg with a firm header.

Here, one expected that the Stripes would collapse but they regrouped quickly to avoid conceding more goals that would have spelt finis to their chances of qualification. In fact, Borg was rarely tested for most of the first half.

After the interval, the hosts stepped up a gear and started to pose more danger to the Birkirkara goal.

On 52 minutes, Voinovic almost made it 2-0 but the Slaven forward saw his shot deviated to the side-netting with Borg beaten.

Soon after, Kaia Roguli's rising shot finished just over.

Birkirkara were struggling to create any danger to the Slaven goal, but five minutes from time they were a whisker away from a shock equaliser. Shaun Bajada hit a low shot that was partially blocked by goalkeeper Goran Bulic and Roguli was quick to clear the danger before Comvalius could fire home.

In time added on, the Stripes had goalkeeper Borg to thank as the Birkirkara no.1 effected two point blank saves on Csizmadia and Voinovic much to the frustration of the Slaven fans.

Slaven Belupo: G. Bulic, S. Lapic, K. Roguli, E. Kokalovic, C. Csizmadia, S. Posavec ('58 G. Delic), N. Nynkeu, D. Poldrugac, M. Iuric, A. Voinovic, B. Vrucina ('84 M. Poredski).

Birkirkara: O. Borg, A. Scicluna, P. Borg, J. Zerafa, T. Paris, S. Bajada, P. Fenech, A. Tabone, T. Cilia ('86 R. Muscat), A. Buhagiar ('74 L. Sciberras), S. Comvalius.

Referee: Carlos M. Taborda Xistra (Portugal).