VALLETTA-4, BIRKIRKARA-2
The glittering BOV Premier League trophy was hoisted in the air by Birkirkara captain Michael Galea but the Stripes failed to end their successful season with a win after going down 4-2 to rivals Valletta in the final match of the 2009-2010 league trek.
Having secured the Premier League title last Friday thanks to a 1-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows last Friday, Birkirkara took to the field comforted by the knowledge that nothing untoward in today’s match would deny them their well-earned success.
Regarded as favourites to succeed Hibs as champions, Valletta are very disappointed at their failure to land the championship but this didn’t stop them from putting on a plucky display as Ton Caanen’s were determined to show the Stripes that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
The Citizens won the confrontation thanks mainly to Terrence Scerri’s hat-trick but theirs was only a token victory as at the end of the match, it was Birkirkara and their partying fans who took centre-stage with their celebrations.
Yellow and red was the predominant colour at the National Stadium as thousands of Birkirkara fans turned up to watch their team received the BOV Premier League trophy. Most of the fans wore Birkirkara shirts and some wore costumes to add spice to the occasion.
The atmosphere was boisterous and the hard-core Valletta supporters who made it to Ta’ Qali yesterday also did their best to tease their rivals.
A loud roar greeted the teams as they jogged onto the pitch for kick-off. Gilbert Agius, the Valletta captain, gave Michael Galea, his Birkirkara counterpart, a bouquet of flowers and Ton Caanen, the City coach, walked towards the Stripes’ bench to shake hands with Paul Zammit.
The match lacked excitement in the early stages but Valletta forged ahead midway into the first half. Doding Priso blocked a Birkirkara clearance outside the box and duly served Terrence Scerri who beat Jorge Mora with a low shot. As Birkirkara struggled to make a reaction, Valletta doubled their lead two minutes from half-time. Their second goal came courtesy of midfielder Edmond Agius who beat Mora with a well-hit free-kick.
The first half ended 2-0 for the Citizens but Birkirkara reduced the arrears two minutes into the second half. Trevor Cilia made a fine run on the right and centred for Michael Galea who beat Andrew Hogg with a low shot.
Two minutes later, Valletta restored their two-goal lead when Scerri hit Steve Bezzina’s perfect service past Mora. Although the quality of the football remained low, the game became more interesting as the two teams increased their attacking endeavours. Birkirkara’s spirits rose again when Sylvano Comvalius fired past Hogg after receiving from Cilia. Just as Birkirkara looked like they were building a head of steam, Valletta struck again on 65 minutes.
Jamie Pace started the move with a powerful run from his team’s half before he sent Priso clear. The Cameroonian winger’s cross from the left caused confusion in Birkirkara’s defence as the ball was deflected towards Scerri who hit past Omar Borg who had just come in for the injured Mora.
Valletta striker Scerri, scorer of a hat-trick, was named BOV player of the match.