Melita 2

Birzebbuga 1

Melita returned to winning form beating Birzebbuga in a low profile match that rarely reached high standards. Melita fully deserved their victory without setting any houses on fire. Melita are now back in the hunt for promotion as they consolidated their third place in the table.

On the other hand, Birzebbuga confirmed their poor form as they are now being pulled into the relegation zone. Melita were in constant control of the match with Nicolo Baldacchino scoring a very good goal in the first half.

Birzebbuga’s best chance came early in the second with a Schneider freekick hitting the side netting. In the final minutes ten-man Birzebbuga pulled one back from the penalty spot but it was a little too late for the Blues.

Birzebbuga had a great scoring opportunity inside the first four minutes when striker David Da Silva was alone in front of goal but goalkeeper Sapiano rushed out of position to block the danger in a desperate sortie.

On eight minutes Kane Micallef had a good chance but hit the side netting from an acute angle. On 14 minutes Melita took the lead when Nicolo Baldacchino scored a breath-taking goal from the edge of the area with the ball hitting the upright before finishing past Casha.

Melita continued to play better but they did not create many chances in front of Sapiano. On 35 minutes a Mark Pullicino scorcher was well saved by Sapiano. In the dying minutes there was another chance for Kane Micallef but once again, he could only hit the side netting.

On the resumption, Birzebbuga went close when a Schneider freekick missed the upright by a whisker. On 51 minutes Nicolo Baldacchino should have wrapped up the match but he hesitated in front of goal and goalkeeper Casha saved the danger.

On the hour Melita’s Michael Martin passed towards Luke Micallef who blasted over the bar. Five minutes later Nicolo Baldacchino was brought down inside the penalty area by Dennis Baldacchino and from the resultant penalty Sierra Camacho sent Casha the wrong way.

Melita were now in the driving seat and in a melee in front of goal, defender Baldacchino cleared off the goal line. On 74 minutes Birzebbuga were reduced to 10 men when Czech player Martin Gabriel received a double booking and was sent off on his debut.

With a man less Birzebbuga pulled one back when David Da Silva was pulled by Sierra Camacho and from the penalty spot substitute Matthew Sciortino scored in style.

Melita: M. Sapiano, M. Sierra Camacho, G. Gribbon, M. Martin, K. Micallef (T. Terpougoff), N. Baldacchino (M. Borg), J. Galea, M. Valenzia, L. Micallef, K. Vella Petroni, J. Vukanic.

Birzebbuga: I. Casha, K. Spiteri, M. Pullicino, F. Schneider, D. Baldacchino, L. Grima., M. Gabriel, M. Mifsud, K. Borg, D. Da Silva, K. Muscat (M. Sciortino).

Referee: Philip Farrugia