Smart Stripes shoot down Qormi

Birkirkara 2
Pulo 22; Cilia 66
Qormi 0

Birkirkara served up further notice yesterday that they are anything but a one-man show.

News that Sylvano Comvalius, one of Birkirkara's most influential players so far this season, had been given leave of absence for trials with Russian club Spartak Nalchik, led to suggestions that this may have a negative effect on the team but their fine showing in a 2-0 victory over Qormi demonstrated otherwise.

For the second game running, Comvalius was left out of the starting XI but his team-mates made light of his absence as they gained a foothold from the word 'go'.

Qormi craved revenge for a 5-2 humbling in the corresponding first round match but they were second best for most of the time, especially in midfield where Rowen Muscat and Paul Fenech upstaged the likes of Massimo Grima and Stefan Giglio.

Thanks to this victory, Birkirkara leapfrogged Valletta at the top but, more significantly, they ensured that they will start the Championship Pool with a total of 20 points. The Citizens are expected to regain pole position by beating Dingli tomorrow but they can't surpass the 20-point mark when the points are halved.

Camilo completed his rehab from a groin operation but started on the subs' bench as Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa confirmed Alfred Effiong as the attacking spearhead in a 4-3-3 formation.

Birkirkara's tactical module was identical to that of their opponents as Paul Zammit had captain Michael Galea taking up a central position in attack while Trevor Cilia and Karl Pulo operated on the wings.

A minute's silence in memory of Dorothy Zammit, the mother of the Birkirkara coach who passed away on Friday, was impeccably observed prior to kick-off. Goalmouth action was at a premium for much of the opening 20 minutes but in their first cohesive move, Birkirkara put their noses in front.

Cilia advanced on the right before curling in a measured cross towards the far post where Michael Galea headed towards Pulo who nodded home.

In next to no time, the Stripes threatened to increase their lead as Cilia glided past the struggling Duncan Pisani but the winger's angled shot was pushed away by Matthew Farrugia.

Birkirkara's opener was a blow for Qormi but close to the hour, Zerafa's men came close to an equaliser. Running on to a good pass from Matthew Bartolo, Effiong outpaced Branko Nisevic but his drive was smothered away by keeper Jorge Mora.

The exchanges were balanced but the industry of Fenech and the ever-improving Muscat gave Birkirkara a distinct edge in midfield.

Muscat almost undid his good work when, on the stroke of half-time, his miscued pass in midfield rolled invitingly towards Bartolo who immediately set up Effiong but the latter took a touch too many and was eventually closed down by the Birkirkara defenders.

The sight of Camilo marching towards the touchline was met with a loud cheer from the Qormi fans.

Six minutes into the second half, Birkirkara missed a golden chance to double their lead when Shaun Bajada's corner was deflected into the path of Galea who hit just wide.

The Stripes started the second half as the brighter side and on the hour, Zammit introduced Comvalius for Galea. A long ball from Pisani caused consternation in the Birkirkara defence as Camilo sped through but his attempt was cleared.

Qormi protested for a penalty when Joseph Farrugia ended on the ground after being challenged by Nisevic but referee Adrian Azzopardi saw nothing wrong.

From the possibility of levelling matters, Qormi found themselves 2-0 down. They thought the danger had ebbed away when a pass into their box was intercepted by Ramon but the latter's rushed clearance came off Cilia who quickly pounced on the loose ball and rifled it past Farrugia.

Qormi's difficulties to cope with their opponents' graft in midfield prompted Zerafa to haul off the disappointing Grima for Keith Fenech. With 11 minutes left, Camilo served substitute Steve Meilak but the latter's shot flashed against the side-netting. Minutes later, Meilak should have put Qormi back in contention when a cross from the right landed in his path but the former Spartans winger blasted over.

Birkirkara
J. Mora-6, K. Pulo-6.5, N. Vukanac-7, B. Nisevic-6, C. Mamo-6, T. Paris-6, S. Bajada-6 ('80 A. Tabone), P. Fenech-7.5, R. Muscat-7, M. Galea-5.5 ('61 S. Comvalius-5.5), T. Cilia-7.5 ('86 J. Zerafa).

Qormi
M. Farrugia-5.5, J. Bondin-4, S. Wellman-5, Ramon-4, D. Pisani-4, M. Grima-4 ('77 K. Fenech), R. Deguara-4 ('46 Camilo-), S. Giglio-5, J. Farrugia-5.5, A. Effiong-4, M. Bartolo-5 ('69 S. Meilak-5).

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Yellow cards: Paris; Camilo; Wellman.

BOV player of the match: Trevor Cilia (Birkirkara).