It was no secret that Valletta, especially after their Championship Pool displays, banked a lot on the U*Bet FA Trophy. However yesterday their dreams were shattered by two goals scored by the Stripes in extra time, that gave Birkirkara the edge over their arch rivals.

The match was very tense, with both teams giving all their best. Balance prevailed as both teams were afraid not concede a goal.

It was almost no surprise that the match went into extra time, and could have even ended with the penalty shoot-out had it not been for Briffa’s opener after 106 minutes.

Birkirkara’s experience saw them through yesterday. In extra time the Stripes increased their pressure and the Citizens gave in especially after suffering the first goal.

Both sets of players should be recommended for giving their hearts out in front of a sizeable crowd that gave full support till the final whistle.

Craig Dean was romped in defence with Branco Nisevic, with Forace and Cassar on the flanks, and Sharlon Pace relegated to the reserve’s bench. Monesterolo was closely watched by Rodrick Sammut, with Kenneth Scicluna shadowing Gilbert Agius.

For the Stripes Michael Galea was again employed in the midfield sector, with Mifsud Triganza the main spearhead, supported by Etienne Barbara and Matthew Calascione

Michael Galea headed over the bar and Gilbert Agius tested Simon in the opening five minutes. Valletta’s defence was very shaky and panicky in the opening minutes, with Etienne Barbara Birkirkara’s main source of danger.

Valletta operated mainly in defence with long balls for Gilbert Agius and Monesterolo who were very efficient whenever they got possession of the ball.

On 28 minutes a Michael Galea freekick was not adequately cleared by the Citizens’ defence and Barbara’s shot on the turn slightly missed the upright. Two minutes later Valletta went close with a good effort Ian Zammit effort from the edge of the area going wide.

On 36 minutes a William Camenzuli first timer following a Michael Galea corner, went wide. Three minutes later Ian Zammit managed to make his way inside the area after beating a couple of defenders, but his attempt was blocked. Nisevic had a good run on the right and his cross was met by Monesterolo whose header found Simons’s clasping hands.

Valletta finished the first period in crescendo and Simon had to dive in Monesterolo’s feet to save a certain goal after the Argentine striker received from Agius.

The cup tie atmosphere prevailed even in the second half with Birkirkara creating three scoring chances in the space of two minutes. Calascione headed wide a Camenzuli freekick, the same Camenzuli tested Sullivan with a fierce drive and from the resultant corner Jonathan Holland headed over the bar.

The match dragged on with few scoring chances, with Mattocks trying his luck from well outside the area, with his shot going high.

In extra time a Monesterolo shot went wide with Michael Galea blocked in time by Craig Dean.

At the start of the second period of extra time Birkirkara broke the deadlock, when from a corner action, substitute Rodrick Briffa completely unmarked in the heart of the penalty area, shot home giving Sullivan no chance.

Birkirkara were now in full command with Valletta visibly knocked out by this blow. They tried to attack desperately leaving acres of ground for the Birkirkara players to operate their breaks. Valletta’s best chance came on Ian Zammit’s feet but his shot was brilliantly saved by Simon.

In the dying minutes Etienne Barbara sped away, beat Sullivan, but his shot at goal was blocked by Dean on the goal line. But on 120 minutes Sullivan was beaten again, this time by a perfect Jonathan Holland freekick that sent the Birkirkara loyal supporters wild in delight.

Valletta: S. Sullivan, K. Cassar, B. Nisevic, C. Dean, R. Forace, K. Fenech, C. Mattocks, D. Zarb, I. Zammit, G. Agius, S. Monesterolo.

Birkirkara: D. Simon, L. Galea (R. Briffa), P. Monye, R. Sammut, W. Camenzuli, M. Calascione, E. Barbara, M. Galea, J. Holland, K. Scicluna, J.P. Mifsud Triganza.

Referee: J. Attard asst. refs: K. Borg, A. Camilleri, 4th official: L. Sammut

Scorers: R. Briffa, J. Holland

Yellow cards: J. Holland, I. Zammit, E. Barbara, R. Briffa, C. Dean, K. Fenech, S. Monesterolo