Marsaxlokk 2

Birkirkara 0

Two second half goals enabled Marsaxlokk to beat champions Birkirkara for the second time this season as they consolidate their sixth place and increase their chances of landing a Championship Pool berth.

Marsaxlokk won this lacklustre match because they were better organised and more determined than their opponents. Their perseverance paid off when Malcolm Licari exploited a moment of complete hesitancy in the Birkirkara defence and Gareth Sciberras finished off a swift build up on the break when Birkirkara’s rearguard was caught off balance.

Birkirkara succumbed to their second consecutive defeat after their reverse against Valletta the previous week and remain in fourth place.

Marsaxlokk had a totally changed look about them. Their two central defenders were Emil Yanchev and Clive Brincat with Andrew Spiteri and Malcolm Licari their two full backs. Raimy played in front of the defence as Galabov, Deanov and Sciberras provided cover in midfield. Templeman supported Effiong up front.

Birkirkara also had to field makeshift defence due to the suspensions to Paul Fenech and Angus Buhagiar. Nikola Vukanac was named among the substitutes. Patrick Borg was recalled as centre back, with Andrew Decesare wide on the left. Karl Pulo and Alan Tabone were given the nod.

It took long for any side to break down the opposing rearguard with little openings to exploit.

A mundane first half provided little, if any scoring opportunities – let alone any excitement Marsaxlokk looked menacing in the early stages as they raked balls inside the Birkirkara area but Effiong shot feebly in keeper Fraser’s hands when put through by Sciberras and towards the quarter hour, the Birkirkara custodian was beaten by Deanov’s deep cross from the right but both Galabov and Effiong failed to connect.

Birkirkara only threatened with a couple of forages from Lattes down the flanks but the delivery of the crosses was not of the best quality and the Marsaxlokk defence was hardly ever put to test.

Birkirkara tried to mount some pressure on the Marasaxlokk defence after the interval. Pulo ran down the left flank past Licari and sent a long ball to Lattes, whose shot was well saved by keeper Gauci. Galea’s cross shot from the left found nobody to connect to. But play was often interrupted with many niggling fouls.

Towards the hour, Galabov’s free kick went past the Birkirkara wall but straight on the keeper. On 65 minutes, Effiong found space inside the Birkirkara area but his shot was saved by Fraser.

Two minutes later, Sciberras picked up a loose ball from near the corner flag on the right and played it back for Malcolm Licari to make his way inside the Birkirkara area, hypnotising the Stripes’ static defence and after avoiding the keeper, he coolly slotted the ball in to give Marsaxlokk the lead.

Birkirkara were rattled. They handed Marsaxlokk the initiative, giving away possession too cheaply with a litany of misplaced passes.

Aware that the points were there for the taking, Marsaxlokk showed more self belief. Effiong went close with his firm header on a Templeman cross and on 74 minutes they doubled their lead.

The irrepressible Galabov instigated the move from midfield, playing the ball wide to Effiong on the left and Gareth Sciberrs connected well to head in the inviting cross.

Marsaxlokk defended their lead with minimal difficulty and despite the introduction of Terence Vella and Ryan Scicluna, Birkirkara could not avoid yet another embarrassing defeat.

Marsaxlokk: R. Gauci, M. Licari (R. Darmanin), C. Brincat, E. Yanchev, A. Spiteri, F. Raimy, G. Sciberras (P. Pullicino), R. Galabov, T. Templeman, A. Effiong, M. Deanov (G. Caruana)

Birkirkara: M. Fraser, T. Paris, R. Muscat, P. Borg, J. Zerafa, A. Tabone (T. Vella), A. Decesare (R. Scicluna), S. Bajada, K. Pulo, M. Galea, E. Lattes

Referee: A. Arciola asst.refs: T. Debono, M. Scerri 4th official: F. Zammit

Scorers: M. Licari 67, G. Sciberras 74

Yellow cards: A. Spiteri, J. Zerafa, A. Effiong, P. Pullicino

Player of the match: M. Licari (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top 3: 1. R. Galabov 2. G. Sciberras 3. R. Muscat

Attendance: 1161