MOSTA 1
Roach 52
BIRKIRKARA 2
Mifsud 39, Jnohope og. 74
Birkirkara maintained alive hopes of ending the season on a positive note as they defeated ten-man Mosta 2-1 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.
In the semi-finals, the Stripes will be facing Balzan, who like Birkirkara, aim at concluding the season on a high by winning the FA Trophy and securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League after a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Mosta held the initiative in the early stages and a Rafael Morisco direct freekick was partially saved by Andrew Hogg on 10 minutes. Eight minutes later, Dexter Xuereb concluded a good move with a fine effort which hit the foot of the upright. On 23 minutes, Nikola Vukanac came to the rescue deflecting into a corner a cross from the right by Akeem Roach and four minutes later, Imeri released Roach on the right but the latter’s conclusion was erratic.
Birkirkara, however, started to gain composure and Johann Bezzina tried his luck by concluding a fine solo effort with a shot from outside the area on 38 minutes.
A minute later, the Stripes forged ahead. Michael Mifsud received an assist on the right by Johann Bezzina, hitting low past Yves Stephane Moto.
Birkirkara were now showing greater determination and on 48 minutes, the Stripes could have doubled the score when off an inviting cross by Jorginho from the left, Mifsud hit wide from an ideal position.
However, against the run of play, Mosta equalised four minutes later. Akeem Garnet Roach, served by Jonas Rodrigues Ekani outside the area, pulled to the left and into the area before slotting the ball past Andrew Hogg.
On the hour, Yves Moto came to the rescue for Mosta, turning the ball into a corner following a cross shot by Clayton Failla. However three minutes later, the Mosta goalkeeper was sent off by referee Mario Apap after bringing down Jorginho outside the area in a swift counter-attack for the Stripes. Mosta coach Mark Miller had to sacrifice James Brincat in order to include goalkeeper Andreas Vella.
Birkirkara took full advantage, regaining the lead on 74 minutes. Michael Mifsud concluded a good move with a cross from the right flank which was deflected by Mosta’s Tobi Jnohope past goalkeeper Andreas Vella for an own goal.