Birkirkara-Valletta 0-2

 

Birkirkara: J. Haber, Z. Muscat, N. Vukanac, M. Bissi (F. Temile), J. Zerafa, P. Fenech, G. Sciberras, R. Muscat, E. Herrera, S. Shodiya, Jhonnattan

Valletta: N. Revishvili, J.Caruana, S. Borg, R. Fenech (E. Agius), L. Montebello (L. Alliyu), A. Souza, S. Bajada, D. Dos Santos (R. Briffa), I. Maisuradze, A. Nafti, L. Dimech

Referee: C. Lautier

Asst.refs: A. Camilleri, R. Vella

Additional asst.refs: M. Apap, T. Farrugia Cann

4th official: P. Apap

Scorers: S. Bajada 2, R. Briffa 90+

Yellow cards: P. Fenech, S. Borg, A. Nafti, N. Revishvili

Player of the match: S. Bajada (Valletta)

TMI top three: 1. S. Bajada  2. I. Maisuradze  3. N. Vukanac

Attendance: 10,633

 

Valletta are the new BoV Premier League champions after beating leaders Birkirkara with two goals, one at the start of the match aqnd the second in added time in a dramatic and controversial finale to the final match of the season, played in front of the biggest attendance at the National Stadium.

An early Shaun Bajada goal from a free kick set the pace of a low-key match, riddled with a high ratio of misplaced passes from both sides and few scoring opportunities, putting Valletta in the driving seat. With Birkirkara putting up an inept performance on the big occasion, Valletta could defend their minimal lead until, three minutes into five of added time indicated by the referee, they scored their second through substitute Roderick Briffa.

That goal sparked havoc as hundreds of jubiliant Valletta supporters invaded the pitch and Birkirkara fans manifested their frustration as they hurled plastic seats onto the pitch. To much dismay, the referee signalled the end of the match, giving way to more Valletta celebrations on the pitch and the eventual  trophy presentation to the new champions, some half hour later.

Valletta’s run towards their 22nd league title was the result of their blistering pace they set since the turn of the new year. The only unbeaten side in 2014, Valletta have won 12 of their 16 matches played this year, winning the last five on the trot and scoring 13 in the process.

Yesterday’s win was by far the most decisive as they embark on the next mission for the U*BET FA Trophy final against Sliema Wanderers next Thursday, on their way to a memorable double.

Valletta’s performance was far from full bodied but their win was more than deserving as Birkirkara were a disappointing lot. Many of their players were below par and a season in which they ahd been leaders for several weeks, ended badly.

A notable absentee for Birkikrkara was the injured defender Alejandro Mendoza as Matheus Bissi was given a starting berth in central defence alongside Nikola Vukanac. Rowen Muscat was given the nod ahead of Ryan Scicluna in midfield.

Valletta coach Paus opted to name Roderick Briffa among the substitutres, preferring Steve Borg, Jonathan Caruana, Luke Dimech and Shaun Bajada in his backline. Hamza Barry was not included in the Valletta squad.

Valletta could not have dreamt of a more promising start. With hardly two minutes von the clock, they were awarded a free kick outside the Birkirkara area for a foul on Souza. Shaun Bajada’s curling shot beat keeper Haber at the top left hand corner tro give the Citizens an early lead.

The goal frustrated the champions as they tried to regroup. They had a penalty claim turned down after eight minutes, when Paul Fenech came into contact with Caruana inside the Valletta area as the ball ended into a corner. Fenech was also booked for protesting hotly. From Jhonnattan’s corner, Zach Muscat’s header was tipped over the bar into another corner by keeper Ravishvili.

As they gradually settled more into the match, Birkirkara grew menacing with Herrera’s forages down the right flank, although at times, that left them exposed and Denni could progress in open spaces.

Towards the quarter hour, Bissi lost possession to Souza, who advanced from the right but shot hesitantly and the grounded Haber blocked.

Birkirkara, playing second fiddle to their opponents in midfield, still struggled to knit more than two passes together and at times Shodiya was erratic with his ball control. Jhonnattan was starved of service and that blunted the Stripes’ cutting edge.

Valletta, although often looking uncomfortable at the back on high balls, could close down and then counter to their liking. Midway through the half, Nafti’s cross from the left found Souza unmarked inside the Birkirkararea. His volley was repelled by keeper Haber. On another Nafti cross, Montebello headed over the bar.

It was only in the late stages of the first half that Birkirkara carved two good opportunities. Herrera delivered a low cross from the right trowards Shodiya who played the ball square to the unmarked Fenech who skied it.

And when Paul Fenech presented Jhonnattan with an inviting ball inside the Valletta area, the Brazilian failed to connect when faced by the keeper.

The second half was even more mediocre than the first as Birkirkara failed to up the tempo and Valletta looked comfortable controlling the proceedings, although Birkirkara were still in it, knowing that a draw would give them the title.

They won several corners but none proved productive. Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit made two substitutions towards the hour, putting in Frank Temile for Bissi, and later introduced Ronaille Calheira for Rowen Muscat. Birkirkara, for the first time in the match, really tested the Valletta keeper Ravishvili, with seven minutes remaining. Temile found the ball at his feet, on Herrera’s cross, but Revishvili denied him with a top rate reflex save from close range.

 

Birkirkara paid for that miss as Valletta threatened in the final minutes. Alliyu and Nafti missed chances, until hree minutes into added time, Valletta found space to counter. Souza played a square pass to substitute Roderick Briffa who scored with a defiant strike to make sure of the title and send Valletta in delirium.