Birkirkara Earn First Points With Commanding Victory Against Valletta Despite Penalty Blemish

Birkirkara secured a 5 – 1 victory against Valletta to kick-start a positive campaign. The twelve-time champions were inspired to victory by a brace by returning captain Stephania Farrugia and by debutant Maya Pellegrini, with Gabriella Zahra in the mix with a long-range strike. Joelma Alves Gabriel earned Valletta the goal from a dubious spot kick which wrinkled plenty of Birkirkara’s eyebrows, before the Brazilian was given a direct red later on. A dramatic opener that had positives for both teams, despite the result, was overcast by abuse.

Team Selections

Birkirkara’s Billy Mock trusted the experience of Janice Xuereb between the posts for his first match in charge. Stephania Farrugia returned to lead the club for the first time since succumbing to an ACL injury during last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Anderlecht. She partnered Izabella Camilleri in defence, with Eunice Micallef and Mariah Cardona operating on the flanks. Ylenia Grech and Amy Busuttil debuted in a midfield trio with Gabriella Zahra. Youngster Ana Mercieca led the attack, flanked by debutant Maya Pellegrini and Lara May Azzopardi.

Meanwhile, Valletta’s Anton Cremona kept faith in last year’s number one for Valletta with Gabriella Grima trusted between the posts. She was protected by the former Lija duo Ilona Sultana and Shakira Bugeja, while former Mtarfa defenders Maria Abdilla and Julianne Camilleri protected the flanks. Ulani Belkis and Edera Marmara’ held the midfield, while Joelma Alves Gabriel debuted with the captain’s armband further afield. Liliana Enna Cohete Zolorsano and Sarah Fenech started on the flank, while Hannah Fenech spearheaded the attack.

How It Unfolded

Valletta had the early opportunity from a corner but Sarah Fenech’s delivery was headed out by Birkirkara’s debutant, Maya Pellegrini. It proved to be a rare opportunity for the Citizens with Birkirkara taking hold of possession from then on.

The Stripes earned early set-piece opportunities but the Citizens were just doing enough to keep them out. Referee Paula Buttigieg was quick to reach in her pocket twice, with Shakira Bugeja and Ulani Belkis both earning a booking within the first fifteen minutes.

The Stripes continued peppering shots, with Amy Busuttil, Lara May Azzopardi and Izabella Camilleri all coming close but seeing efforts over the roof of the net or palmed by Gabriella Grima.

Ylenia Grech managed to get Maya Pellegrini free on goal with one deft touch against a Gabriella Grima goalkick. However, the Italian was well marshalled by Maria Abdilla who blocked the shot.

However, the Stripes were rewareded for their efforts, with Stephania Farrugia delivering the opening goal of the season in the 29th minute, to truly mark her return and get her team on the march. The defender was lively in the box to tap home the rebound from close range following a corner delivery.

The Stripes continued having the majority of the attacking momentum, but to no avail, with Ana Mercieca also having a positive senior start up front, despite seeing a low effort saved by Gabriella Grima.

Valletta had a rare opportunity to get something on the counter-attack but Liliana Enna Cohete Zolorsano overcooked the pass to release Joelma Alves Gabriel letting Birkirkara off the hook. The Colombian also attempted a shot from distance with Janice Xuereb seeing it all the way.

Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 1 – 0 Valletta

Both coaches made changes at the break, with Danicia Ciantar taking to the pitch instead of Ulani Belkis for Valletta, while Birkirkara had a double switch with Stella Francalanza and Izabella Stringer taking to the pitch instead of Lara May Azzopardi and Ana Mercieca.

Birkirkara did not take long to get themselves the comfort of a two-goal cushion, curtesy of a stunner from Gabriella Zahra. The veteran fired a floated left-footed effort from long-distance which beat the back-peddling Gabriella Grima.

The Citizens responded with half an opportunity as Hannah Fenech charged into the box attempting to attack a long delivery. However, Janice Xuereb was untroubled to command the airspace.

Further changes ensued as Somaya Muscat took to the pitch for Valletta instead of Maria Abdilla, while Lorna Maria Cassar also made an appearance. Amelia Vassallo and Krista Sacco were two more introductions for Birkirkara later in the half, with Billy Mock even giving a late opportunity for Julia Zarb between the sticks.

However, the drama was all on the pitch as Paula Buttigieg got an earful for pointing to the spot deeming Mariah Cardona to foul Joelma Alves Gabriel, despite the defender appearing to take all of the ball. The Brazilian took charge of the spot to fire home into the bottom right corner, getting the Citizens on the scoreboard.

Despite this, the Brazilian’s day was ruined as she was the last line of defence as Izabella Camilleri attempted to yield Birkirkara a two-goal cushion once more. Alves Gabriel was caught handling the ball on the line, with the Brazilian earning a straight-red.

Stephania Farrugia stepped up for the spot-kick, also firing low into the right corner in the 73rd minute, beating Gabriella Grima despite the goalkeeper getting fingertips on it. The Birkirkara skipper earned the second goal of the night and third goal of the week (following a goal also in the U21 league), making her full return from injury in the domestic league a pronounced one.

The Stripes continued pushing forward, having the better opportunities and ultimately getting rewarded. Maya Pellegrini completed a debut brace to finish off the scoring. The Italian drilled a left-footed rebound following a long-range effort from Stephania Farrugia that was blocked by Gabriella Grima to get the fourth goal for Birkirkara. Pellegrini also curled a final goal from the corner flag, getting touch from the goalkeeper on its way in.

Izabella Stringer attempted to get a late goal with another floater from distance, but Gabriella Grima was equal to the shot, despite landing worse for wear and needing some treatment.

Final Score: Birkirkara 5 – 1 Valletta

A Reminder That Abuse Is Not Tolerated & Next Matches

Birkirkara become the first team to notch points on the board on the opening matchday, with the Stripes having a commanding start to their campaign. A dramatic opener that certainly triggers plenty of positive talking points amid two teams that were packed with young talent. However, it was blemished by abuse and racist slurs toward officials and players which one hopes will not feature again this year or any year.*

Tonight presents the match between San Gwann and Hibernians which will begin at 19:30 at the Centenary Stadium. The same stadium will host the third and final match of the opening weekend in the women’s league as Mgarr United host Swieqi United at the same time.

*Clarification: In the interest of clarity, no official was subject to racism to the knowledge of the author. However, racist remarks were dealt toward at least one player. In any context, this page urges all involved to focus on educating against any form of abuse, racist or otherwise, always in the interest of fostering a welcoming environment for all, rather than using the opportunity to throw stones at each other.

Lead Image: Elise Bajada

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