Another humiliation for champions Valletta

Birkirkara-Valletta 4-2

Newly crowned champions Valletta suffered a second humiliation in four days as they were bundled out of the competition by Birkirkara yesterday evening.

The Stripes, after a disappointing first half, ran riot in the second half. They scored three goals in succession to race into a 4-1 lead before Valletta pulled a goal back - scant consolation for their 'mission' to avenge last Saturday's crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Marsaxlokk.

The victory not only landed Birkirkara in Saturday's final against Hamrun Spartans (a first for Maltese football), but also assured them of the remaining UEFA Cup place. The result means that it is now Hibernians who will play in the Intertoto Cup next month.

While Valletta had Frank Temile back in the side and missed Giglio in midfield and the suspended Grioli, Birkirkara's Buttigieg had Thomas Paris back after suspension but left Jean P. Mifsud Triganza and Lino Galea on the bench. Also making a return to the squad was goalie Omar Borg, but he was kept on the bench as he is not yet 100 per cent fit.

In the first half Valletta were clearly the better side but had it not been for Monesterolo's goal, I wonder whether they would have scored. Despite their midfield superiority, they were well controlled by an organised Birkirkara defence in which Yanchev and especially, Hartvig, were in command.

It was in midfield and attack that the Stripes bitterly disappointed. In fact, until they scored an unexpected equaliser, they had not even threatened Hogg once as Michael Galea and Davy Sylla were simply not in the match.

In the second half, however, it was a completely different story as the Stripes took complete command after taking the lead. Now it was all Birkirkara as Valletta had no reply and Buttigieg's boys toyed with their opponents and went on to add two more goals to assure themselves of victory early.

However, one must admit that the citizens lost all their power when Kenneth Scicluna cried out injured and coach Zammit had to sacrifice a midfielder, David Camilleri, to play him in the heart of the defence.

Valletta went out on attack and were close on the fifth minute. From a Temile cross, Thomas Paris managed to steer the ball to corner before Monesterolo could connect.

Valletta appeared to have gained an edge in midfield and managed to take a deserved lead on the 19th minute when from a Jonathan Bondin cross, Sebastian Monesterolo beautifully first timed home from inside the area.

The Stripes were visibly shocked and reacted feebly to this setback. Their first shot arrived on 30 minutes, but it proved to be a long distance and harmless effort from Paul Fenech which went well over the bar. Moments later, from a Sylla cross, Camilleri managed to clear in time before Michael Galea could shoot at goal.

At the other end, Monesterolo raced away unhindered after Yanchev failed to clear, but his final effort was blocked by Paris.

Against all expectations, Birkirkara equalised on the 42nd minute when Tabone set Davy Amed Sylla who advanced into the area to beat Hogg with a low shot.

Birkirkara took the lead eight minutes into the second half. A loose ball in the Valletta area saw David Camilleri failing to clear and Sylla took full advantage of the chance that presented itself to beat Sullivan for a second time.

On the 61st minute, Birkirkara scored a third goal. It was Galea who set Sylla on the right. The latter's shot was partially parried by Hogg, but there was Alan Tabone to hit home into the empty net.

Birkirkara were in full command and soon after Sylla lifted the ball over the bar after being put through by Tabone. Then Galea had an attempt going just wide.

The fourth goal arrived in the 22nd minute. It was the indefatigable George Mallia who weaved his way past the whole City defence before hitting home past a bewildered Hogg - a splendid goal.

Valletta pulled one back on the 69th minute when off a Falzon corner, Josef Mifsud headed home.

But it was scant consolation for the champions who even worse, Valletta finished the match in 10 men as substitute Kurt Magro was shown a red card for a bad tackle on Hartvig near the end.

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

Valletta: A. Hogg, J. Bondin (K. Magro), J. Mifsud, K. Scicluna (K. Fenech), S. Bezzina, D. Camilleri, H. Backhaus, F. Temile (I. Zammit), D. Falzon, G. Agius, S. Monesterolo.

Referee: J. Attard. Asst refs: P. Agius, A. Camilleri, 4th official: P. Caruana.

Scorers: S. Monesterolo, D. A. Sylla (2), A. Tabone, G. Mallia, J. Mifsud,

Yellow cards: S. Monesterolo, I. Zammit, R. Hartvig, J. Mifsud

Red cards: K. Magro

* * *

End-of-match fracas at Ta' Qali

There was a bad incident at the end of yesterday's match at Ta' Qali.

As the Birkirkara fans were 'locked' in their section, to avoid clashing with the departing Valletta supporters, some Valletta fans managed to go beneath the Enclosure part occupied by the Stripes and started fighting among themselves, according to eyewitnesses. Some even started throwing some small stones onto the Birkirkara fans who responded by throwing several stadium seats on their 'adversaries'.

The Police kept the Stripes fans locked until the Valletta fans had left the Stadium surroundings. It took around 25 minutes for the main door to be opened to allow the Stripes to leave the Stadium.