Marsaxlokk strike late to rescue a point against Birkirkara

BIRKIRKARA           1         

Reid 21

MARSAXLOKK        1         

Messias 74 pen

BIRKIRKARA

G. Volpe, M. Morello, L. Cordova (63 N. Cross), K. Reid (84 G. Yikpe), S. Dimech, T. Papazov, A. Satariano, L. Lacunza, A. Coppola, D. Makoma, M. Maia.

MARSAXLOKK

M. Calleja Cremona, K. Micallef, N. Muscat, Y. Messias (85 D. Bonnici), J. Corbalan (57 E. Pena Beltre), Dodo (89 J. Quitongo), U. Arias, L. Lopez, A. De Aguiar, L. Aguirre, R. Scicluna.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann.

Yellow cards: Cordova, Micallef, A. De Aguiar, Cross.

Red card: Papazov (B) 76

Marsaxlokk rescued a point in a 1-1 draw with Birkirkara to keep alive their hopes of challenging for the 360Sports Malta Premier championship.

Birkirkara had taken the lead mid-way through the first half but a penalty 16 minutes from time enabled Marsaxlokk to earn a point from the game.

Birkirkara made four changes from the team which defeated Mosta last week as Luis Cordova and Leandro Lacunza were named in the starting line-up alongside the returning Tomislav Papzov and Alexander Satariano.

Marsaxlokk, who had coach Enzo Potenza serving a one-match ban, were unchanged.

Luis Cordova came to Birkirkara’s rescue after just three minutes, blocking Yuri Messias’ effort from the left and on 11 minutes, Leandro Aguirre went close with a shot from outside the area ending just wide.

However, on 21 minutes Birkirkara forged ahead.

It was a great solo effort by Kemar Reid who received the ball in midfield, advanced upfield, beating two players on the run, entered the area, rounding a defender before beating goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona with an angled shot.

Marsaxlokk went close with a fine Lucas Lopez header which was cleared into a corner on 26 minutes but three minutes from half-time, Donovan Makoma had a cross from the left parried by Calleja Cremona.  

Nine minutes in the second half,  Satariano hit just wide from inside the area but on 68 minutes, Yuri had a good opportunity for Marsaxlokk, when served inside the area, with his conclusion ending just over the bar.

Marsaxlokk levelled matters on 74 minutes.

Birkirkara defender Papazov handled the ball inside the area and referee Trustin Farrugia Cann pointing to the spot with Yuri Messias duly converting.

Two minutes later, Papazov was sent off for Birkirkara for hitting an opponent, leaving his side with ten men for the remaining minutes.

At this point, Marsaxlokk went in search of the winning goal and on 87 minutes,  Enmy Pena Beltre served Ulises Arias but his attempt was neutralised by Volpe. Two minutes later, following a good move between Dodo and De Aguiar, Duane Bonnici hit just wide from the left.