Birkirkara FC  2

Metalurg Skopje  2

A goal by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza in the 87th minute provided Birkirkara with a richly deserved draw in yesterday’s first leg.

The Stripes dominated for most of the match, but conceded goals which, in my opinion, should have been avoided.

But Paul Zammit’s side yesterday showed that they could face such foreign opposition as the feared Metalurg and I firmly believe that with more concentration at the back, they could provide these opponents with a stern test next week in Skopje in the second leg.

In the first half, Metalurg could not have had a better start, taking the lead in their very first attack.

The goal shocked Paul Zammit’s boys and despite their endeavour and determination, they never managed to recover.

Having taken such an early lead, the Greens from Skopje elected to defend en masse and operated on swift counterattacks, but goalie Gauci was never again in trouble as Vukanac, Pereira and Zerafa were supreme at the back.

The Stripes were well served in midfield by Paul Fenech and Rowen Muscat. But at times, some passes went astray and many a good movement ended with the ball going to their opponents.

In attack, Shola and Silva tried hard to get past the Metalurg strong defence. It was only on one occasion, however, that Silva missed a good opportunity for an equaliser, having his grounder blocked by the onrushing Pavlovic. Brazilian newcomer Joselito was never in the match.

In the second half, Birkirkara started on a good note getting an early equaliser, but they conceded again soon afterwards.

After that it was just one-way traffic with the Stripes applying hot pressure on the Metalurg goal which was, however, well guarded.

Try as they might, Birkirkara just could not get that equalising goal for a second time, at least before the 87th minute. Then substitute Mifsud Triganza thought fit to find the net to send the Stripes fans into raptures.

Barely a minute had passed and Metalurg were already in the lead after a fast counterattack. Ljamceviski advanced unhindered on the left flank and exchanged the ball with Stevianov for the latter to cross low for Nestorovski to hit the ball into an empty net.

The Birkirkara reply arrived on the 17th minute. A Pereira fine freekick just missed the target.

Play degenerated after that and neither side appeared to have the edge although Birkirkara were determined to get back into the match especially through Joe Zerafa’s forays on the left flank.

The Macedonians appeared well organised at the back and Silva and Shola failed to make an impact while newcomer Joselito was never managing to get into the scheme of things.

On the 31st minute, Silva received the ball from Scicluna, but after rounding an opponent, hit the ball well over the bar from just outside the area.

Seven minutes later, the Stripes had a good opportunity to equalise when Silva won a ball outside the area and advanced only to see the goalkeeper blocking his shot with his foot.

Birkirkara went out on attack in the second half and deservedly equalised on the 52nd minute after a fine move. It was Fenech who set Silva with a brilliant pass. The latter rounded the goalkeeper and hit home past at least three players hovering near the goalline.

But their joy was shortlived as Metalurg quickly took the lead a minute later. From a Ljamcevski cross, Gauci missed the ball and Churlinov could head the ball home into an untenanted net.

On the 57th minute, Ryan Camenzuli was unlucky to see his effort by teammate Joselito, grounded in the middle of the area.

On the 73rd minute, Shodiya beat his direct opponent and crossed over the goalie from the byeline, but Silva just failed to get his head to the ball.

Two minutes later, Joselito was finally in the match as he bypassed two defenders only to see his left foot effort going just wide.

Soon after he was substituted by JP Mifsud Triganza and the latter became the local side’s hero as he notched the equaliser on the 87th minute. He received a good, low cross from Camenzuli and made no mistake from a few metres out.

And on the 89th minute, it was Shodiya who almost scored the winner with a fine inswinger which goalie Pavlovic turned to corner with difficulty.

The result brought about a lot of satisfaction to the Birkirkara clan, especially the good number of fans who were at the Hibs Stadium – they were allowed in free of charge.

Birkirkara FC: R. Gauci, R. Pereira, N. Vukanac, J. Zerafa, R. Camenzuli, R. Muscat, P. Fenech, R. Scicluna (F. Zammit), S. Shodiya Haruna, Joselito dos Reisi Santos (JP Mifsud Triganza), J Santos.

Metalurg: I. Pavlovic, I. Petrovski, I. Krstevimi, I. Ljamceviski, I. Kiriakevski, B. Di Moski, P. Ljamceviski (A. Tenekeddi), O. Stevianov, O. Akomerov, I. Nestorovski (B. Vanmos), C. Churlikov (O. Peev).

Referee: I. Stoyanov (Bulgaria).

Asst refs: N. Angelos, K. Stoilov.

Scorers: I. Nestorovski 1, Silva, 52, Churlinov, 53, JP Mifsud Triganza 87

Yellow cards: I. Ljamceviski, J. Zerafa, R. Scicluna, I. Nestorovski, Di Moski, O. Stevianov