BIRKIRKARA 3 - TARXIEN - 0
Birkirkara returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows.
This victory is priceless to the champions as it lifted them back up to the second spot but much more soul-searching is needed if they want rediscover their form with which they won the title last season.
Birkirkara appeared to have reacted well to the task at hand, when Lee Galea blocked twice in succession on Cilia and Galea following a cute service by Babatunde after 11 minutes.
Eight minutes later, the Rainbows supporters shouted ‘goal’ when Sergio headed the ball into the net but referee Chris Lautier ruled out for offside. Three minutes later, Cilia showed quick feet to work his way into a shooting position only to see David Cassar palm out his effort.
After 27 minutes, Vella’s outswinging corner was powerfully headed onto the bar by Ricardo.
The momentum was clearly with the Rainbows as Sergio saw his low effort blocked when coming face to face with Cassar in the 35th minute. Tarxien looked to be in control of the game until Birkirkara put their nose ahead against the run of play.
The Rainbows’ tight defence was unlocked by a neat three-man move, reminiscent of good old days and Cilia got on the end of Galea’s through- ball to prod the ball home, one minute before half-time.
Yet the second period showed a marked contrast in style with Nikola Vukanac, completely splitting the opponents’ defence with a well-weighted ball to send Galea through on goal and the striker lobbed the ball over the onrushing Cassar after 53 minutes.
Clearly robbed of confidence, the Stripes seemed to have abandoned their slick passing in favour of hitting long balls. In the 72nd time, a hideous Babantunde’s shot, flew well wide of the post when he was aiming at goal, seemed to sum up Birkirkara’s troubles.
Ten minutes from time, Cristiano’s lovely flick nearly set Bueno inside the box, but Bartolo reacted to snuff out the danger.
But Tarxien’s attempts to find a route back into the game were faltered seven minutes from time, when Scicluna pinged the ball in the space into which Babatunde intelligently run, before side-footing home.