Birkirkara beat Sliema Wanderers to four points clear at the top

BIRKIRKARA    1

Coppola 51

SLIEMA WANDERERS 0

BIRKIRKARA

G. Volpe, M. Morello (78 Maicon), A. Sandona, P. Gaitan, P. Mbong, A. Satariano, L. Lacunza, N. Micallef, A. Coppola, M. Maia (78 H. Martins), Y. Gnamien (67 J. Etoha).

SLIEMA WANDERERS

K. Agu, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend, V. Plut (46 S. Da Mata Gomes), G. Alcino, Wescley (81 E. Agius), C. Attard (81 M. Awad), M. Henrique, S. Zibo, S. Pisani (7 Sergio), J. Bastos.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann.

Yellow cards: Zibo, Gnamien, Satariano, Sergio, Murillo.

Birkirkara further underlined their status as genuine title contenders this season when they overcame the challenge of Sliema Wanderers and strengthen their grip on top spot.

A rather fortutious goal by Alessandro Coppola earned the Stripes the win that saw them open a four-point lead at the top of the standings.

But it was a deserved win for the Stripes who were superior to Sliema in all areas of the pitch and no doubt this win will further instill self belief in themselves that they can challenge for the main honours this season.

For Sliema it was a disappointing outcome to a match which saw them struggle to impose themselves and no doubt they need to reset during the international break to rediscover their early season form.

The first half turned out to be a cagey affair as both teams were aware of the high stakes of the match and were more focused to defend diligently than create scoring chances.

Sliema Wanderers and coach Paul Zammit suffered an early blow as midfielder Steve Pisani suffered a muscle injury and had to be replaced by Sergio.

Inevitably, Birkirkara started to gain an edge in midfield but for all their possession they were struggling to create clear-cut chances.

That changed on the half hour mark when Birkirkara forward Moreira looked odds on to score but was denied by a brilliant reflex save from Kelvin Agu.

Six minutes from the break, Birkirkara threatened again when Alex Satariano stole possession on the edge of the area but his attempted lob over Sliema goalkeeper Agu finished just over as Sliema could again sigh with relief.

On 44 minutes, Maxuell Maia did very well to find Paul Mbong inside the area but the Malta forward saw his angled drive flash past the upright with Agu beaten.

Sliema finally threatened in stoppage time when Wescley hit a low drive that was well saved by Birkirkara goalkeeper Gianluca Volpe.

On the restart, Zammit withdrew Vito Plut and roped in Samuel Da Mata Gomes to add more flair to his forward line.

But it was birkirkara who deservedly taken the lead on 51 minutes in somewhat fortuitous circumstances when Agu misjudged a cross from a corner and Adam Magri Overend was unlucky to see his clear hit Alessandro Coppola’s face and finish into the back of the net.

Sliema looked to have been hit hard by Birkirkara’s opener and they tried to quickly claw themselves back into the match but were struggling to be effective upfront.

On 68 minutes, goalkeeper Gianluca Volpe preserved his team’s lead with a fine point-blank save on Samuel Da Mata Gomes.

It was all Sliema in the closing stages but found in front of them a very well organised Birkirkara defence that kept their opportunities to a bare minimum.