GOZO CUP 2010

BIRKIRKARA WIN FIRST EDITION OF THE GOZO CUP

Birkirkara won the first edition of the Gozo Cup with a deserved win over Hibernians in the final.  The Stripes dictated matters for long stretches and scored the two goals that decided the issue during the second period.  The two sides were in their best possible formation for this final but Birkirkara seemed more motivated.  They created much more scoring opportunities and could have opened the score at an earlier stage of the match.

  Birkirkara’s Gozitan midfielder Shaun Bajada, who was among the best players on the field of play, was also honoured with the captain’s band for this occasion.  On the other hand Hibernians had a disappointing performance.  They suffered Birkirkara’s pressure and operated with counter breaks during the first period.  However, they threw the towel as they suffered the first goal and ended up conceding a second goal late in the match.

  The stripes came out more aggressive and created some dangerous actions in Hibernian’s area.  Hibs operated with some dangerous counter attacks particularly through fine moves by Etienne Barbara.  On 7 minutes an effort by the same Barbara from a personal action was turned in corner by goalie Mora.

  Five minutes later Comvalius concluded wide a pass by Shaun Bajada and on 20 minutes the same Comvalius once again missed the target from a good position.  Hibs were again dangerous four minutes later when an effort by Miguel Lopes De Pina from an action by Barbara was partially saved by Mora and from the rebound Ben Camilleri concluded wide.  On 37 minutes Birkirkara’s skipper Shaun Bajada was unlucky when his direct free kick hit the crossbar and three minutes from half time Comvalius concluded wide following an inviting pass by Joseph Zerafa.

  Birkirkara opened the score after two minutes of play into the second period.  Shaun Bajada entered the area from the right and from his pass Karl Pulo surprised goalie Mario Muscat with an angled shot.  On 51 minutes Hibs had a goal by Adrian Pulis disallowed for an offside position.  However, Birkirkara regain total command of play and went close to increase the lead on more than one occasion.

  On 56 minutes goalie Mario Muscat saved well an effort by Paul Fenech and two minutes after the hour of play substitute Angus Buhagiar concluded over the crossbar a low pass by Trevor Cilia.

  One minute later Hibs’ substitute Chris Camilleri, who was on the field for just thirty seconds, had a strike from long distance that ended just wide.  On 68 minutes it was Rowen Muscat who concluded badly from an ideal position a pass by Karl Pulo.  Three minutes later a header by Nisevic from a corner action ended high.

  Birkirkara made sure of the victory with a goal scored seven minutes from time with a tap-in by Paul Fenech from a free kick by Shaun Bajada.  Two minutes from the final whistle the stripes could have added another goal but a first timer by Angus Buhagiar from a pass by Carlo Mamo missed the target.

  After the match Hon. Parliamentary Secretary for Public Consultation, Local Councils and Consumer Affairs Dr. Chris Said presented trophies and medals to the participants in the presence of the GFA President Mr. Alvin Grech and the GFA General Secretary Mr. Joe Bajada.

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