Floriana-Birkirkara 0-1

SILVIO VELLA

Birkirkara’s display was far from full-bodied but well beyond sufficient yesterday against Floriana to take them to second place in the standings, one point above Hibernians, at least till tomorrow, after the first round.

A first half goal netted by striker Michael Galea was suffice against opponents from the bottom end of the table, who had also their goalkeeper sent off in the last quarter hour.

Birkirkara, bereft of the injured Camenzuli but bolstered by the return of Zahra, also contrived to miss a second half penalty as they failed again to convince.

Floriana, already hampered by the absence of the suspended Mifsud in attack, were forced to substitute the injured Brincat after only five minutes. But both sides failed to produce anything in a tepid first quarter hour.

On 17 minutes, Floriana keeper Agius was severely tested by a Zahra meaty free-kick and five minutes later Birkirkara broke the deadlock when Michael Galea beat Floriana’s square defence on a Barbara pass to score with a low drive.

Birkirkara threatened again midway through the half as Barbara had his effort footed out by the goalkeeper, but they failed to lift up their game after that.

Floriana, on their part, were largely bystanders and until half-time they only showed up with a Cassar free-kick which sailed just over the bar.

Things seemed to brighten up a bit after the interval. Mallia’s powerful drive was capably dealt with by Agius. On the other end Cilia’s spectacular volley on an Azzopardi cross from the left went over the bar.

But it was only a false dawn as play again fell to mediocre level with a series of misplaced passes from both sides.

Past the hour, Barbara was fouled by Briffa inside the area and Birkirkara were awarded a penalty. Michael Galea’s well placed shot hit the inner post and rebounded in play.

On 70 minutes both teams tried to boost their respective attacks with Eviparker going in for Floriana and Calascione for Birkirkara.

Floriana were delivered another setback 15 minutes from time. Keeper Agius rushed out of his area to halt Barbara’s charge on the right and was adjudged to have handled the ball. Agius was eventually sent off.

As Birkirkara tried to exploit their numerical superiority with their fast breaks, reserve keeper Farrugia was kept busy, keeping out efforts from Zahra and Calascione.

With five minutes remaining, what looked like a Floriana legitimate claim for a penalty, when Christian Caruana was tripped inside the area, was overlooked by the referee, booking the Floriana player for simulation in the process.

Floriana: S. Agius, I. Azzopardi, K. Fabri, J. Briffa, R. Gango Rtsa, M. Caruana (A. Eviparker), C. Cassar, T. Cilia, M. Micallef, M. Brincat (C. Caruana), N. Baldacchino (D. Farrugia)

Birkirkara: D. Simon, M. A. Bonnici, L. Galea (M. Calascione), P. Monye, R. Sammut, E. Barbara, M. Galea (E. Yanchev), A. Zahra, K. Scicluna, R. Briffa (A. Ciantar), G. Mallia

Referee: A. Azzopardi asst refs: A. Camilleri, Ms E. Farrugia 4th official: C. Lautier.

Scorers: M. Galea

Yellow cards: K. Fabri, J. Briffa, C. Caruana

Red card: S. Agius

Player of the match: Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara)

TMI top three: 1. G. Mallia, 2. R. Gango Rtsa 3. A. Zahra