Birkirkara battle past Pieta to reach FA Trophy quarter-finals

Birkirkara struggled much more than expected to dismiss the challenge offered by Challenge League side Pieta’ Hotspurs, beating them 2-0 to set-up a clash with Żabbar St. Patrick in the quarter-finals of the Meridianbet FA Trophy.

In fact, the Hotspurs had their fair share of scoring opportunities, also hitting the woodwork early in the game before the Stripes scored the opening goal. In the second half, Pieta’ went out in search of the equaliser but Birkirkara scored a second goal to seal the issue.

Paul Zammit’s side went close with a cross shot by Manuel Morello after just five minutes which was saved by Cini, However, on 13 minutes, the Hotspurs were unlucky not to take the lead as a Luke Bugeja effort from outside the area hit the upright. A minute later, a free kick by Lecao was neutralised by goalkeeper Miguel Angel Martinez.

Birkirkara took the lead on 16 minutes. Geoffrey Acheampong delivered a free kick from the left, Kemar Reid’s close range header was blocked and Alessandro Coppola slotted the ball past goalkeeper Cini.

Geoffrey Acheampong went close to doubling the score with a free kick from outside the area ending just wide on 25 minutes. Three minutes later, Lecao concluded a good move for Pieta’ with a shot from the left ending over the bar. Cini then performed a good save on an Aleandro Garzia volley on 36 minutes.

Two minutes in the second half, Lecao tried his luck with a shot from outside the area ending high.  On the hour, Sami Abo Assaf had a shot from outside the area which was turned into a corner by Martinez and two minutes later, the Spanish goalkeeper palmed out the ball off a Jake Borg free kick from the right.

However, Birkirkara doubled the score on 70 minutes. Kemar Reid entered the area from the left and served substitute Jere Vrcic who hit home past the helpless Reeves Cini.

Eight minutes from time, the Stripes threatened once again with a powerful drive by Donovan Makoma which ended just over the bar.