Sliema off to winning start

BIRKIRKARA-1 SLIEMA WANDERERS-3

Sliema Wanderers got their 2010/11 campaign off to a winning start this evening after they beat champions Birkirkara 3-1 in the opening match of the Euro Cup at the Centenary Stadium.

The Blues created the better chances in the opening 20 minutes, mainly through striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who twice went close to giving his side the lead.

On the first occasion, Mifsud Triganza hit the post with a strong effort and, minutes later, he volleyed the ball over from John Mintoff’s corner. In a rare attacking move by Birkirkara, Trevor Cilia dragged over a teasing cross from the right and Michael Galea’s header was blocked by Hungarian goalkeeper Victor Szentpeteri, one of five foreign players in Sliema’s starting team.

Sliema gained a deserved lead a minute past the hour when the lively Emiliano Lattes set up Mifsud Triganza who brushed off Nikola Vukanac and fired past Ezequiel Lovizon, Birkirkara’s debutant goalkeeper. Seven minutes from half-time, Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech produced a powerful drive from the distance that was repelled by Szentpeteri.

Galea was first to the loose ball but his weak effort was stopped by the Sliema goalkeeper. Sliema increased their advantage five minutes into the second half thanks to a well-hit shot by Portuguese midfielder Alhinho but Birkirkara reduced the arrears through Shaun Bajada on 55 minutes.

The champions upped the ante as the second half progressed but they suffered a setback when Bajada was shown a red card for hitting out at Portulez.

The Wanderers sealed their win on the stroke of time when Mifsud Triganza squared to substitute Noel Turner who slotted past Lovizon.

Birkirkara meet Valletta in the second match of the competition on Wednesday with Sliema facing the Citizens in the final game on Friday.