BOV Premier League | Birkirkara 1 – Sliema Wanderers 1

Birkirkara created the first opportunity on goal after three minutes. Miguel Angel Alba sent a cross towards Nikola Vukanac whose header was neutralised by Giuseppe Sarao.

Sliema responded on the 6th minute. Mark Scerri went on a good run and fired a shot that ended up high.

The stripes went ahead on the 10th minute. From a free kick, Alba hit a low shot that gave Sarao no chance.

Two minutes later, Birkirkara had another chance on goal when Mislav Andelkovic went on a fast run and fired a low shot that sailed wide.

The Wanderers equalised on the 18th minute. Denni Dos Santos made the most out of some defensive mistakes inside Birkirkara’s penalty area as he placed the ball inside the net.

On the 29th minute, Denni tried his luck from a free kick, but his shot ended up slightly high.

Birkirkara replied on the 40th minute. Alba sent a cross towards the far post in the direction of Edward Herrera whose header went wide.

Two minutes later, Jonathan Pearson of Sliema hit a low shot that was parried by Henry Bonello. Frank Temille took the rebound, but the assistant referee raised his flag for an off side.

Nikola Jaros’s side hit back on the 44th minute. Alba served Srdan Dimitrov and the latter turned towards the post and finished slightly wide.

On the 46th minute, Birkirkara had a good opportunity through Herrera. The thirty-year old went past his marker and fired a shot that hit the side netting.

Supporters had to wait till the 82nd minute for the next chance on goal. Denni of Sliema sent an inviting cross inside the penalty area that found Leonardo Incorvaia who headed over.

A minute later, Birkirkara’s substitute Matthew Guillaumier won possession inside the penalty area and hit a powerful drive that went high.

This result will see Floriana climbing fourth in the table, while Birkirkara are one point behind them as both sides remain hopeful of a place in Europe.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Edward Herrera, Christian Bubalovic, Gareth Sciberras, Mislav Andelkovic, Edmond Agius, Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Miguel Angel Alba, Cain Attard, Srdan Dimitrov.

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Giuseppe Sarao, Alex Muscat, Frank Temille, Denni Dos Santos, Mark Scerri, Jonathan Pearson, Stefano Biancardi, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Jean Paul Farrugia, Leonardo Incorvaia, Gabriel Aquilina.

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Christopher Francalanza

Fourth Official: Glen Tonna

BOV Player of the Match: Denni Dos Santos (Sliema Wanderers)