Birkirkara-Msida SJ 0-0

Msida SJ: M. Bartolo, P. Sciriha, C. Brincat, T. Farrugia, A. Spiteri, D. Cachia, A. Farrugia, R. Baldacchino (A. Formosa), N. Priso Doding, G. Dos Santos (P. Borg), P. Dos Santos Calcado (L. Mizzi)

Birkirkara: O. Borg, R. Sammut, L. Galea, R. Hartvig, E. Yanchev, P. Fenech, G. Mallia, S. Bajada, A. Tabone (A. Zahra), J.P. Mifsud Triganza, D. A. Sylla (M. Galea)

Referee: A. Azzopardi asst.refs: K. Borg, C. Micallef 4th official: J. Attard

Yellow cards: A. Spiteri, G. Dos Santos, G. Mallia, R. Sammut, R. Hartvig, R. Baldacchino

Player of the match: Priso Doding (Msida SJ)

TMI top three: 1. M. Bartolo 2. S. Bajada 3. Priso Doding

For Birkirkara this was defintely a case of two points lost rather than one gained in this goalless draw against the ever improving Msida St Joseph.

For all their ample possession, Birkirkara failed to convert the few good chances that came their way as they dent further their hopes of playing in the Championship Pool. They are now involved in an intriguing tussle with Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians, with three more matches remaining for the end of the first phase.

Msida succeeded in strangling the life out of Birkirkara’s attacking options. The Saints were well organized, committed and willing to chase every cause, lost or otherwise.

For all the defending they had to do, the Saints were not toothless. With Priso Doding up front, they created some half chances and there was always a glimmer that they might spread panic through Birkirkara’s ranks. For their perseverance and bravery they surely deserved this improbable draw.

Msida had defender Stefano Grima suspended for the match and Andrew Spiteri was deployed as left back instead, with Roderick Baldacchino starting in midfield. Manuel Bartolo returned in goal after suspension as their two new signings, keeper Matthew Camilleri and defender Kenneth Spiteri sat on the bench.

Birkirkara, with an unchanged starting line-up after their previous win against Pieta Hotspurs, enjoyed a good deal of possession in the first half, but lacked the slightest hint of penetration, their only flickering moment of promise coming two minutes before halftime when Mifsud Triganza shot against the upright after collecting a Lino Galea pass from the left flank.

The Msida keeper rescued his side twice from goal attempts by Mifsud Triganza and Bajada, and with Msida failing to be counter productive, despite some good runs by Priso Doding and Dos Santos Calcado, the match remained mostly abysmal stuff.

Msida came up with a promising chance soon after resumption. Priso Doding, put clear by Dos Santos Calcado on the left, hit the foot of the post with his low drive, with keeper Borg beaten.

On 65 minutes it was Antoine Zahra’s turn to make a re-appearance for Birkirkara after an absence of several months on the sidelines, in a bid to inject some verve in the side.

The Stripes started to surmount some sustained pressure in the late stages. Zahra shot his free kick over the bar and Yanchev sent his header wide on Bajada’s sailing free kick.

Mostly encamped inside their own half, Msida looked dangerous five minutes from normal time when Priso Doding advanced on the right from the byeline but his shot was blocked by keeper Borg.

But Msida were the happier at the end. Their persistence paid off with a point!