Qormi 0
Birkirkara 2
Lattes 42, 86;
Two goals by Emiliano Lattes, one of them a gem and the other arriving at a crucial point just before half-time, helped reigning champions Birkirkara end a run of four matches without a victory.
Argentine winger Lattes looks to have finally emerged from the shadow of Sylvano Comvalius, the man he was called to replace to prove himself a star in his own right. Lattes demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display against Qormi to give Birkirkara a much-needed boost.
Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit will be delighted with the three points, earned without his side ever hitting the heights against a frugal Qormi who had just one goalbound attempt to show for their efforts.
Victory narrowed Birkirkara’s deficit from Valletta to five points, albeit the latter have a game in hand, as the Stripes have reclaimed some momentum lost after their shock defeat against Marsaxlokk and disappointing draws against Ħamrun and Vittoriosa.
Rowen Muscat provided a timely fitness boost for the Stripes. The young midfielder, who has just recovered from an ankle injury, was restored to the starting line-up along with Shaun Bajada.
Birkirkara’s opening should have lifted their confidence. Looking determined to arrest their poor run, the Stripes flew out of the blocks and tried to surprise Qormi with the first attack of the game. Bajada fed Michael Galea out wide but the striker’s effort was off target.
But with Birkirkara looking somewhat casual and Qormi opting for caution, the first 28 minutes were short on excitement. Qormi winger Matthew Bartolo, after three minutes, and Lattes on the 19th minute, were prominent with mazy runs at either end but their concluding shots were easily saved.
On 27 minutes, Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia tipped Muscat’s lob away for a corner after a brilliant link with Bajada.
From the ensuing corner, the Stripes had a golden opportunity to take the lead as they won a dubious penalty after Jonathan Bondin was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Qormi were furious and felt justice was done when Farrugia parried Galea’s effort from the spot.
However, in that time, Lattes had already demonstrated his prowess on the wing and he further underlined his importance to Birkirkara by giving them the lead three minutes from half-time.
Muscat was the provider this time, setting up the Argentine striker for a finish that hit the inside of the post before flying into the net.
Qormi suffered another blow four minutes after the interval when Abubakar Bello Osagie pulled up with injury. He was replaced by Ben Camilleri.
Birkirkara kept up their momentum as they threatened to overrun Qormi, carving out chances at will.
On the hour mark, Karl Pulo ran at the Qormi defence before delivering a cross for Galea whose goalbound effort was brilliantly blocked by Stefan Giglio.
Although Stephen Azzopardi’s side were now enjoying the lion’s share of possession, they almost went two goals down but Pulo wasted another chance. The former Pietà winger took a long diagonal ball from Bajada but with just the keeper to beat, he blazed his shot wildly over the bar.
Qormi finally broke out of their own half and captain Joseph Farrugia saw his shot deflected for a corner after 76 minutes. It was the best chance for Qormi and it should have served to give them some fresh impetus in their bid to mount a late charge in search of an equaliser.
Yet, Birkirkara refused to sit back. They should have wrapped up the game when Bajada’s low drive slipped just wide of the near post.
With time running out, the frantic pace was matched by the players’ commitment, although Farrugia took that too far when he stormed out of the box to protest against a refereeing decision and was rightly shown a yellow card.
Almost immediately, Qormi’s last remaining hopes of getting anything from the game were extinguished when Lattes was given space to cut inside onto his favourite right foot and fired a swerving low shot across Farrugia and into the bottom corner.
Qormi
M. Farrugia-6.5, C. Frendo-5, J. Vadelanoitte-5, S. Giglio-6.5, R. Sammut-6 (66 G Buttigieg-5), M. Bartolo-6, K. Bjedov-5 (73 J. Chetcuti), J. Farrugia-6, A. Bello Osagie-5 (49 B. Camilleri-5), J. Bondin-5, K. Ho Jung-5.5.
Birkirkara
M. Fraser-6, P. Fenech-6.5, J. Zerafa-6, P. Borg-6, K. Pulo-6.5 (81 T Paris), R. Muscat-7, R. Harding-6, S. Bajada-6.5 (89 T Vella), A. Buhagiar-6, M. Galea-6 (85 A. Tabone), E. Lattes-8.
Referee: Marco Borg.
Yellow cards: Pulo; Frendo; Farrugia.
Missed penalty: Galea (B) 29.
BOV player of the match: Matthew Farrugia (Qormi).