Birkirkara-Floriana 3-2

Birkirkara turned a defeat into victory in a superb match which had all the ingredients of a perfect cup-tie.

George Mallia scored the all important goal in added time after Mifsud Triganza had equalised a few minutes earlier.

It turned out to be a merited victory for the Stripes even though they missed an incredible amount of chances in the first half which could have ended up spoiling their hopes of making it to the semi-final.

Floriana may blame themselves for not holding on to the victory which seemed on the way at least till the very end of the match. And they will rue a missed chance towards the end of the match when they could have taken a two-goal lead. But it was not to be and Birkirkara were rewarded for their perseverance and fighting spirit with two goals which turned the tables on Floriana.

In this first half, it was Floriana goalkeeper Ruben Gauci who kept his side in the match with some superb handling especially on Mifsud Triganza who missed a number of good chances.

Birkirkara were awarded a penalty in the sixth minute. Barbara entered the area and was floored by Da Silva. Referee Adrian Casha did not hesitate to award a penalty which was taken by Dronca who sent Gauci the wrong end to put the Stripes in the lead.

The Stripes created a very good scoring change in the 20th minute. Barbara down the left beat Gango Ntsa on the run and crossed to Nwoko. The Birkirkara midfielder passed to the oncoming Mallia who hit a powerful shot which went wide.

At the other end, Haber had to block in two attempts a Da Silva cross while Mifsud Triganza missed a sitter after controlling well a Barbara pass.

In the 32nd minute Nwoko carved a delightful opening for Mifsud Triganza who tried a lob over Gauci but the ball sailed over the bar.

It was an onslaught from Birkirkara. In the next two minutes, first Barbara’s attempt skimmed the post after a long goal kick from Haber. Then Mallia saw his shot hit the post. From the rebound he attempted another shot at goal with Gauci beaten but was floored by the same Floriana goalkeeper. Casha awarded a second penalty also booking Gauci in the process. Probably, the referee should have sent Gauci for an early bath since he clearly blocked an obvious scoring opportunity. Dronca again took the spot-kick hitting a shot in the same direction but this time Gauci saved confidently to keep Floriana in the game.

Adrian Casha awarded a very doubtful penalty after Galea floored Da Silva clearly outside the area. However, assistant referee Philip Agius waved for a penalty and Casha pointed to the penalty spot. From the spot-kick Da Silva sent Haber the wrong way to equalise for Floriana.

The Stripes protested for a penalty on the change of ends after a Floriana defender evidently handled the ball inside the area. However, referee Casha waved play on.

At the other end, Floriana took the lead in the 52nd minute. Da Silva down the right passed to Evi Parket who fumbled on the ball but then hit a low shot past Haber as a Birkirkara defender failed to clear.

The first time Birkirkara tested goalkeeper Gauci was in the 73rd minute off a Nwoko freekick which the Floriana goalkeeper saved easily.

It was an onslaught now as Birkirkara desperately tried to go out in search of a desperate equaliser. Nicolo Baldacchino missed an incredible chance when alone in front of goal he shot wide.

It was the prelude of things to come for in football such mistakes nearly always prove costly. Barbara down the right entered the area, controlled the ball and then passed to Mifsud Triganza who hit home into the gaping net to the joy of the Birkirkara fans in the 86th minute.

And in added time, Birkirkara took the lead when Mifsud Triganza passed to Mallia who entered the area and then hit low past to turn a defeat into an incredible victory. It was the perfect ending for Birkirkara.