MARSAXLOKK 0

BIRKIRKARA 2

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, M. Licari, R. Conceicao, C. Magro (S. Tellus), C. Mamo, W. Camenzuli, J. Pace (M. Barbara), K. Sammut, C. Frendo, A. Madzar (S. Wellman), J. Alcorse

Birkirkara: B. Paris, T. Paris (R. Sammut), L. Galea, R. Hartvig, E. Yanchev, P. Fenech, G. Mallia, J. Zerafa, S. Bajada (L. Sciberras), M. Galea, D.A. Sylla (A. Tabone)

Referee: C. Lautier Asst.refs: K. Borg, C. Micallef 4th official: A. Azzopardi

Scorers: J. Zerafa, M. Galea

Yellow cards: J. Zerafa, J. Alcorse, C. Magro

Player of the match: Joseph Zerafa (Bikirkara)

TMI top three: 1. G. Mallia 2. J. Zerafa 3. W. Camenzuli

Disjointed Marsaxlokk were undone by two Birkirkara goals yesterday and succumbed to their second consecutive league defeat, stifling their route to European competition next season. By virtue of this result Valletta are officially the new champions, even before today’s kick-off against Floriana. Their seven-point lead is now unassailable.

Marsaxlokk, who lacked conviction in their play, also lost second spot as they now trail Birkirkara by one point, slipping to third place in the standings. Their season may well finish in disappointment as Sliema Wanderers also follow hot on their heels.

It was Birkirkara, back to winning ways after two back-to-back defeats against Sliema and Valletta, whose attacking intentions were the clearer, with midfielder George Mallia being the inspiration for most of their creativity. He was well assisted by Zerafa and Bajada around him.

This assured victory keeps them well on track for a creditable runners-up finish and European qualification, besides being still on course in the FA Trophy.

Birkirkara, deprived of their suspended striker Mifsud Triganza, gave a start to Michael Galea in their attack. Bernard Paris was deputising for keeper Omar Borg, who underwent facial surgery, in goal. Bajada also returned to the side as Tabone was relegated to the bench.

Marsaxlokk, beaten by Sliema Wanderers in the previous match, were also without the suspended midfielder Peter Pullicino, but Alcorse started the match, partnering Madzar up front.

Both sides went close in the opening ten minutes. Alcorse headed Licari’s cross just over for Marsaxlokk while Michael Galea’s low cross from the byline was footed out by Conceicao on the goal line before Sylla could inflict any damage.

But the early promises soon evaporated as the tempo of the match fell and the 20 minutes which followed were utterly devoid of incident.

Only past the half hour, did the match come to life again. Frendo’s well taken direct free kick from the edge of the area, rebounded off the cross bar.

And on 40 minutes Birkirkara made the breakthrough. The ever improving Joseph Zerafa sparked the movement on the left, and persistently flicked the ball away from Conceicao, headed it past Camenzuli before entering the area to beat keeper Debono with a low diagonal drive.

Marsaxlokk responded with two Madzar efforts, and a Camenzuli free kick, all blocked frantically by the Birkirkara defence, before the first half was over.

Madzar did not turn up for Marsaxlokk in the second half, substituted by Wellman, who played in an advanced role. But Birkirkara’s defence had few problems stifling Marsaxlokk’s raids.

On 56 minutes, Yanchev headed Bajada’s corner inches wide. On the other end, Alcorse, who had tried to go towards goal from the left, was blocked by keeper Paris as the ball was played in frantic fashion, shifted from one box to another. More was expected from Marsaxlokk, who failed to gel as a team yesterday and looked short of creativity.

And as Birkirkara remained the more potent attacking force, Marsaxlokk’s defence collapsed to concede a second goal 20 minutes from the end. Michael Galea picked Sylla’s pass inside the area and beat keeper Debono with a defiant strike, showing in the process that he has lost none of his scoring qualities.

As the match wore on, Marsaxlokk struggled to pull back at least a consolation goal. Conceicao went inside the area on Alcorse’s pass but shot feebly in the keeper’s hands. And when Wellman beat Thomas Paris’ challenge inside the area, keeper Paris stretched himself to save, thus preserving a clean sheet.