It was a rather disappointing week for Sliema who lost the protest against Valletta, thus losing the points in their only victory gained so far this season. For the Stripes it was a welcome victory after their stunning defeat against Santa Lucia in their last outing.

The match was entertaining especially in the second half after a rather low profile frist half. The Blues were always in the match but the Stripes were sharper in front of goal with Luke Montebello proving to be lethal in front of goal.

The first quarter of the match was rather dull with practically no efforts at goal. Sliema drew first blood creating the first scoring opportunity on 23 minutes when Uchida passed towards Gui who blasted wide when well placed.

Five minutes later Birkirkara had their first danger when Montebello passed towards Ryan Scicluna who had his effort well saved by Cassar. On 34 minutes a Gui effort just missed the target and two minutes later the wanderers were unlucky when an Edmond Agius freekick finished against the crossbar.

Just before the break Sliema went close again with a farrugia header well saved by fernandes and in stoppage time Sliema again menacing with Uchida just failing to connect in front of goal.

Three minutes into the second half birkirkara broke the deadlock when when falcone was fouled inside the area and from the penalty spot the same Montebello sent Cassar the wrong way.

On 64 minutes Fernandes again came to Birkirkara’s rescue saving a jean paul Farrugia header. Three minutes later Sliema’s fate was sealed when Yankam did all the running before passing towards Montebello who fired home from close range.

Sliema attacked desperately in the final minutes but Daniel Fernandes showed all his worth on 78 minutes saving a point blank effort from Sliema’s Miguel Fernandes.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina