Marsaxlokk 0

Birkirkara 0

(Marsaxlokk win 5-3 on pens)

Birkirkara were the first casualty for a Premier League side when they were eliminated by Marsaxlokk from the National League 100 Anniversary Cup after a penalty shoot-out.

The match was evenly balanced in the first period but Birkirkara looked slightly superior in the second.

Marsaxlokk though defended well and never allowed their opponents comfort on the ball.

Although playing in the First Division, Marsaxlokk confirmed their strength in depth and although they were missing Gareth Sciberras and Dylan Kokavessis, they traded equal punches with Birkirkara in a tepid first half, bereft of goalmouth action.

Things slightly improved in the second half as Birkirkara showed superiority but failed to unlock Marsaxlokk’s defence.

Cilia shot against the side netting and Galea missed a good chance on Comvalius’ pass.

Past the hour, Galea again went close but his shot was well saved by keeper Zammit.

As the match headed to a barren stalemate, Birkirkara also put in keeper Omar Borg to defend his side in the eventual penalty shoot-out.

But while Deanov, Mamo, Bajada, Pullicino and Camenzuli all scored for Marsaxlokk, Branco Nisevic missed his shot from the spot to enable Marsaxlokk advance into the fourth round.

Marsaxlokk: G. Zammit, W. Camenzuli, C. Mamo, E. Yanchev, C. Brincat (JC.Vella, G. Caruana), T. Templeman, P. Pullicino, F. Raimy, R. Bajada, M. Deanov, M.Danilous

Birkirkara: J. Mora (O. Borg), P. Fenech, G. Mallia, B. Nisevic, J. Zerafa, A. Buhagiar (T. Paris), N. Vukanac, S. Bajada (A. Tabone), T. Cilia, M. Galea, S. Comvalius

Referee: M.Borg