BIRKIRKARA 1, NAXXAR LIONS 0
The Stripes returned to winning ways this afternoon after three consecutive draws in the premier league.
Herrera’s intended cross from the right drifted over the head of Julian Azzopardi and found the goalkeeper’s top right-hand corner.
Less than five minutes from referee Adrian Azzopardi’s initial whistle had elapsed when Falzon’s free-kick flew left through the defensive wall and forced a fine low save by Justin Haber away to his left.
The Lions saw a lot of the ball at the start of the match but were nearly hit by a counter-attack after 20 minutes with Edmond Agius flicking the ball for Nassir Maachi but the Dutch striker shot straight at Julian Azzopardi.
But Naxxar eventually began to create chances that their possession warranted. Gilmar endeavoured to exploit his speed and agility on the left flank. In the 23rd minute, a powerful overlap by Gilmar, unsettled Birkirkara as he was allowed to send in a menacing cross. In attempting to clear, Mauricio Mazzetti only succeeded in redirecting the ball into the path of Gilmar again but the second time round, the defender was alert to repel the danger.
Shy the half hour mark, with the forceful wind blowing behind his back, Herrera sized a cross from the right, skewed his delivery and watched in glee as it sailed above and beyond Azzopardi.
In the 36th minute, Doffo’s freekick was only partially cleared by the Birkirkara wall and Jorge waiting to volley the rebound saw Haber block his effort.
Birkirkara sought to control the contest after the interval by dominating possession and they dropped deeper as a result, seemingly inviting pressure, and there were scares for Paul Zammit’s side. Shy the hour mark, Haber reacted well to parry aside a rising shot from Gilmar.
Gilmar continued to look Naxxar’s most dangerous player and he skipped past Nikola Vukanac before forcing Haber to parry out a near post drive.
An exciting finale beckoned as the Lions upped their pressure, forcing a series of corners, Gilmar volleyed wide.
Another prolonged Naxxar attack saw Buhagiar deliver a teasing cross into the box, Gilmar effort was blocked and, from the rebound, Falzon fired wide as Birkirkara survived this time.