Birkirkara’s revival continued yesterday with a commanding win over Tarxien Rainbows, a side fresh from their surprise victory over Valletta. But yesterday Winston Muscat’s side could not repeat that performance as the Stripes were miles ahead of their opponents.
The win is vital for Birkirkara who continue to surge forward in the table after a horrible start. It was a more than deserved victory for Birkirkara who dominated from the early stages of the match. With ex-Tarxien Da Paixao Alves playing a great match, and with Luke Montebello’s lethal finishing, there was no way Tarxien could save something from this match.
The Stripes did the early running pushing their opponents inside their own area. Paixao was the most active on the right flank, and it was no surprise that Birkirkara forged ahead on nine minutes. Another run by Paixao on the right and a cross towards Falcone, who did not hit the ball well, but the result was brilliant as the ball lobbed in nicely over the helpless Marcio Fernandes.
On 13 minutes Paixao switched to the left and was well served by Falcone, but his grounder just missed the base of the upright. Birkirkara continued to attack and a Montebello shot was well saved by Marcio Fernendes. Minutes later another effort from Montebello went over the bar.
Tarxien’s first effort on 32 minutes with a central drive by Brandon Muscat blocked by Guarnone. On 38 minutes Tarxien goalkeeper Marcio Fernandes made a brilliant save off a Paixao drive following a fast break from the Stripes.
On the resumption the Stripes went close again with a Paixao Alves shot that was again brilliantly saved by Marcio Fernandes. On 57 minutes Birkirkara doubled the score when Luke Montebello won a ball just inside the area and fired the ball home past Marcio Fernandes.
Two minutes later Tarxien went close with a Darren Falzon lob that was cleared in front of goal by Carniello. Birkirkara however killed off Tarxien’s residual hopes with a third goal on 77 minutes when Luke Montebello crowned an excellent performance finishing off in style a fast counter break.
