Birkirkara 1
Fenech 90+;
Naxxar Lions 0

Paul Fenech was the toast of the town yesterday as the battling midfielder hit a last-gasp goal that enabled Birkirkara to overcome a stubborn Naxxar side and maintain his team’s perfect start to the championship.

It was a dramatic outcome to a match which saw Birkirkara struggle to break down a resolute Naxxar defence, inspired by the excellent Ibok Edet and the goalkeeping heroics of Julian Azzopardi.

But Birkirkara kept pushing forward and their perseverance was rewarded in stoppage time when Fenech pounced on a short clearance to hit home the winner that keeps the Stripes on top of the standings with maximum spoils from three matches.

Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit effected two changes from the team that trounced Żebbuġ Rangers in the previous match as Matheus Bissi and Eliandro made way for Alejandro Mendoza and Edward Herrera.

The Lions had Victor Bellia and Pape Gueye promoted to the first-team at the expense of Pablo Doffo and Gilmar.

Naxxar almost surprised the Stripes inside the opening minute when Gueye stormed into the area but his grounder flashed past the upright.

Birkirkara’s response arrived a few minutes later as Ryan Camenzuli sent a cross towards the un-marked Herrera who failed to connect from routine distance.

The Stripes were again close on 16 minutes, Zach Muscat meeting Rafael Ledesma’s free-kick but his header flew wide.

Birkirkara’s best chance came on the half hour. Liliu chested the ball down in the area and unleashed a firm drive that came off the post with Azzopardi beaten.

Naxxar were forced to make their first change five minutes from the break when David Fenech limped out injured. He was replaced by Matthia Del Negro.

An injury to Angus Buhagiar forced Muscat to make his second change as Gilmour Cassar was brought on by the Naxxar mentor.

Both teams adopted an open game after the interval but for all their efforts they rarely tested the opposing goalkeeper.

Birkirkara threatened on the hour when Fenech broke through but his shot was pushed away by Azzopardi.

A minute later, the Naxxar shot-stopper had to dive full stretch to push over Ryan Scicluna’s dipping shot

Birkirkara insisted in attack and on 65 minutes Mendoza was first to Ledesma’s corner but his header hit the bar.

The Stripes were growing increasingly frustrated and Zammit effected a double change when he roped in Eliandro and Bissi in lieu of Ledesma and Leighton Grech.

For all their dominance, however, Birkirkara had to wait until the 83rd minute for another attempt at goal. Eliandro’s acrobatic kick was stopped by Azzopardi.

But the Stripes’ stance in attack was rewarded three minutes into added time.

Herrera sent a dipping cross that was somehow palmed away by Azzopardi with the ball falling to Fenech who scrambled his shot into the net to the delight of the Stripes clan.

Birkirkara
J. Haber-6, A. Mendoza-6.5, Liliu-6, N. Vukanac-6, R. Ledesma-6 (66 Eliandro-6), E. Herrera-6.5, P. Fenech-7, Z. Muscat-6.5, R. Scicluna-5.5 (84 K. Zammit), L. Grech-5.5 (66 M. Bissi-6), R. Camenzuli-6.

Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-7.5, A. Scicluna-6, I. Edet-7, V. Bellia-6 (79 Gilmar), T. Vella-5.5, P. Gueye-6, D. Falzon-6, D. Fenech-5.5 (40 M. Del Negro-6), A. Buhagiar-5 (46 R. Cassar), D. Reano-6.5, U. Emenike-5.5.

Referee: Philip Farrugia.

Yellow cards: Fenech, Emenike, Buhagiar, Vella.

BOV Player of the match: Julian Azzopardi (Naxxar Lions).

Standings

Playing today

National Stadium
Qormi vs Balzan - 18.30
Hibernians vs Sliema - 20.30

Tedesco Stadium
Mosta vs Żebbuġ Rangers - 18.30
Tarxien vs Pietà Hotspurs - 20.45