BIRKIRKARA-1, QORMI-0

Croatian Drazen Besek enjoyed a winning debut as Birkirkara beat strugglers Qormi 1-0 in the Premier League this evening.

The Stripes dominated for long spells but their lack of firepower up front and some stout defending from Qormi, who had several youngsters in their team, hampered their efforts to increase their lead after Noah Ojuola had committed an own goal late in the first half.

Ojuola turned the ball into his own net as he tried to clear Vito Plut's cross from inside the box.

Plut had threatened to score straight from kick-off as the Slovenian burst through the static Qormi defence before dashing past goalkeeper Andreas Vella but his effort came off the post.

Frank Temile had also gone close for Birkirkara but the Nigerian was twice denied by the Qormi defenders from point-blank distance.

Early in the second half, Vella, the Qormi goalkeeper, blocked an effort from Plut.
When Gareth Sciberras served the advancing Temile in the box, danger beckoned for Qormi but the Nigerian miscued his pass.

Four minutes past the hour, Edison Zarate's intelligent pass set up Liliu who raced into the box from the left before hitting a firm drive that flew past Vella but Ojuola sprinted backward to hook the ball off the line.

Qormi's forays into Birkirkara's half were scarce for much of the opening 65 minutes. Midway into the second half, Micalledf tried to surprise Akpan but the Nigeria-born goalkeeper was alert.

A free-kick from Liliu was saved by Vella as Birkirkara struggled to increase their lead despite their superiority.

Nine minutes from time, Zarate's corner was flicked goalwards by substitute Kurt Zammit but Qormi cleared. Liliu skewed his volley.

Temile was named BOV player of the match.