BOV Premier League | Birkirkara 3 – Tarxien Rainbows 1

Birkirkara started on the attack and went close after eight minutes. Luke Montebello hit an angled shot that was blocked by Christian Cassar.

Three minutes later, Cassar produced an excellent save to deny Birkirkara. From a free-kick, Mislav Andelkovic delivered a cross that was met by Fabiano Montero De Oliveira whose header was parried by the Tarxien shot stopper.

The stripes threatened again on the 27th minute. Ryan Scicluna served Luke Montebello and the latter sent a shot that went across the frame of goal.

Montebello lost a great opportunity for Birkirkara on the 32nd minute. Montero De Oliveira sent a through ball towards the Maltese forward who went round the goalkeeper and attempted to place the ball inside the net. However, Ebiabowei Baker was at the right place at the right time and cleared the ball off the line.

Birkirkara’s efforts paid off one minute from half time. Carlos Albero Da Silva hit a strong shot from a free-kick that took a deflection off a defender and ended up inside the net.

Paul Zammit’s side picked up from where they left off in the first half and managed to score again two minutes into the second half. Montebello passed the ball towards Montero De Oliveira whose low shot from inside the penalty area gave Cassar no chance.

Birkirkara were denied by Cassar once more on the 59th minute. Montebello’s overhead kick forced a good save from Cassar who managed to tip the ball behind him.

The stripes kept on insisting and had a promising chance on the 62nd minute. Da Silva received the ball on the right and hit a shot that went centimetres off target.

However, Tarxien pulled one back a minute later. Substitute Matteo Desira Buttigieg managed to place the ball inside the net from the right side of the penalty area.

The Rainbows tried to put more pressure in their attempts to equalise and created another chance on the 79th minute. Sean Cipriott hit a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was saved by David Cassar.

However, Birkirkara sealed the issue a minute later. From a free-kick, Jake Grech sent a cross that was met by Nikola Vukanac who headed the ball inside the net.

On the 86th minute, Llywelyn Cremona of Birkirkara fired a shot from outside the penalty area that was neutralised by Cassar.

Birkirkara lost a golden chance a minute later. Montero De Oliveiro saw his shot from inside the penalty area being blocked by Cassar. Rebound fell for Edward Herrera who finished over from close range.

Tarxien had the chance to score a consolation goal in the additional time. Ryan Darmanin was put through on goal by Desira Buttigieg and sent a strong shot from close range that was well saved by Cassar.

Birkirkara starting line-up: David Cassar, Nikola Vukanac, Lucas Verone Maia, Mislav Andelkovic, Fabiano Montero De Oliveira, Carlos Alberto Da Silva (Llyewlyn Cremona – 83), Cain Attard, Kurt Zammit, Matthew Guillaumier, Ryan Scicluna (Jake Grech – 73), Luke Montebello (Edward Herrera – 68)

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Christian Cassar, Ebiabowei Baker, Godwin McKay, Matthew Spiteri (Mamadou Traore – 70), Ayrton Azzopardi (Arsenne Rye Cilia Mumford – 85), James Brincat, Andrew Agius, Luke Grech (Matteo Desira Buttigieg – 60), Ryan Darmanin, Ricardo Silva Faria, Sean Cipriott

Referee: Sandro Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Peter Abela

Fourth Official: Mario Apap

Yellow Cards: Nikola Vukanac (Birkirkara), Sean Cipriott (Tarxien), Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara), Matteo Desira Buttigieg (Tarxien), Edward Herrera (Birkirkara)

BOV Player of the Match: Fabiano Montero De Oliveira (Birkirkara)