Birkirkara-Hibernians 2-0

Birkirkara closed the gap on leaders Hibernians with a more than deserved 2-0 win yesterday in the weekend’s top clash, played in front of a sizeable crowd of colourful and noisy supporters from both sides. They now share the Premier League leadership with the same Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers after a considerable absence.

The Stripes’ supremacy was by far larger than the final scoreline suggests. Birkirkara had the better inventive throughout and could have emerged more clear-cut winners. Twice they were denied by the woodwork and on several other occasions, especially in the first half, by keeper Muscat’s heroics. Birkirkara also contrived to miss a late penalty.

Hibernians, who enjoyed a three-point lead over Birkirkara before kick-off, failed to put up a decent challenge and were eventually caught up by the same Birkirkara and Sliema, who won their previous fixture. This defeat comes after a good three-month spell for the Paolites, who looked out of sorts yesterday.

Hibernians coach Robert Gatt gambled on a start to the not fully-fit Pullicino, back in their side, but his presence lasted only 25 minutes when he was substituted by Spiteri. The Paolites also gave a start to their new foreign signing, midfielder David Williamson who settled quite well in his new set-up.

With Michael Galea back in attack and Lino Galea starting the match in defence, Birkirkara looked more confident, composed and quick as the match unfolded, despite both sides’ attacking intentions as befits their recent form.

It was mostly thanks to splendid goalkeeping by Mario Muscat that Hibernians held on for a whole 35 minutes before going down to two Birkirkara goals in quick succession before half-time.

The Hibernians keeper was up to task, turning into a corner Camenzuli’s rasping shot as early as the sixth minute.

On the quarter hour another Camenzuli poisonous free-kick took a wicked deflection off the wall but the grounded Muscat somehow held it out.

With Birkirkara appearing to have the edge in power and confidence midway through the half, Michael Galea’s shot on the run on a long ball by Ciantar, was saved by Muscat. And Muscat brought the house down, turning into a corner Barbara’s point-blank shot on Mallia’s pass.

On 27 minutes, Mallia’s inviting cross was missed by Pulis, allowing Barbara to control the ball and shoot at goal but Muscat again came to his side’s rescue, saving into a corner.

Hibernians were rarely in the Birkirkara penalty area in the first half hour. When Doda ran in from the left and sent a low inviting cross, Scerri failed to conclude when hampered by an opponent.

The Paolites’ rearguard leaked water on 35 minutes. Muscat could only palm out Barbara’s cross from the right and George Mallia was quick to shoot in the loose ball past the grounded keeper.

Seven minutes later William Camenzuli powered his way inside the Hibernians’ area, exploiting the gaps at the back and drilled his shot past a helpless Muscat.

Hibernians needed an early goal after the interval to restore their drained confidence, but Birkirkara showed no reluctance.

Mallia’s cracking shot, three minutes after the restart, hit the underside of the bar and rebounded off the goal line before landing in Muscat’s safe hands.

Hibernians could only produce tame efforts. Scerri arrived fractionally late on Williamson’s cross from the right and Cohen’s dipper was off target.

The upright again denied Birkirkara and Barbara on 65 minutes, holding out his shot after a good foray down the right flank.

Hard as they tried, Hibernians could not pierce Birkirkara’s blanket defence as they put in Bonnici for Michael Galea for the last ten minutes.

The closest Hibernians went was on a Doda close effort which keeper Simon stretched himself to turn into a corner.

In the dying minutes, Hibernians were spared further derision when Birkirkara were awarded a penalty, after Mallia was fouled inside the area, but Roderick Briffa lofted the ball from the spot kick.

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

Hibernians: M. Muscat, A. Pulis (J. Pearson), A. Xuereb, D. Williamson, E. Mbong, T. Scerri, A. Cohen, J. Vella, P. Pullicino (K. Spiteri), D. Camilleri, H. Doda

Referee: A. Casha Asst.refs: C. Micallef, A. Camilleri 4th official: A. Zammit

Scorers: G. Mallia, W. Camenzuli

Yellow cards: E. Yanchev, D. Camilleri

Player of the match: William Camenzuli (Birkirkara)

TMI top three: 1. W. Camenzuli 2. M. Muscat 3. E. Barbara