B’Kara’s Victory Cut Short By Half-Time Forfeit From Depleted Mtarfa Following Injury

Birkirkara were on course to victory against Mtarfa with a 4 – 0 score, before the Blues forfeited the match at half-time. Mtarfa captain and goalkeeper Dorienne Grech was helped off the pitch with what looks to be a serious injury in the latter portion of the first half. Forced down to ten, the Blues forfeited the match at half-time. Debutant Viverly Nanez, Gabriella Zahra and Charlene Zammit (2) converted the goals for Birkirkara.

Team Selections

Mtarfa’s Simon Spiteri and Brandon Spiteri led the side from the touchline, with captain Dorienne Grech starting between the goalposts. Claire Versteegh and Maria Abdilla started as full-backs, with Paula Ciappara partnering Rebecca Zammit in the centre of the defence. Shania Spiteri protected the defence. Katya Camilleri and Eliza Csik started in the centre of the pitch, with Emily Gatt and Kerrie Ciappara operating on the flanks. Laura Echeverri Tobon led the line. There were no substitutes available on the bench.

Meanwhile, Birkirkara’s Vince Galea retained faith in Maya Cachia in goal. Izabella Camilleri came into the fold between Valentina Rapa and Charlene Zammit. Gabriella Zahra captained the side, starting alongside debutant Viverly Nanez. Amelia Vassallo and Luana Cabral operated further forward, with Maia Gauci and Mariah Cardona thrusted forward on the wings. Erica Bispo led the line.

A one-minute silence was observed before the start of the match in respect to the late former Mtarfa player, Alejandro Brincat, who died tragically earlier in the week.

How It Unfolded

The onus was on Birkirkara to find their way to break the Mtarfa side who settled into their own half. Izabella Camilleri had an early opportunity from a corner, with the youngster rising at the far post to connect with Luana Vitoria Cabral’s delivery, but seeing the headed effort fizz wide.

Cabral wasted a glorious opportunity close to the ten minute mark, with Erica Bispo releasing her compatriot into acres of space centrally in on goal. However, Dorienne Grech approached and put enough pressure for the effort to be pulled well wide.

However, Viverly Nanez sent Birkirkara into the lead with a debut goal in the 13th minute. Mariah Cardona cut-back a cross from the wing to find the Colombian. She played a quick combination with Gabriella Zahra, before Nanez placed a low finish into the right corner.

The Stripes looked for a quick second on the quarter hour mark from a corner. However, Charlene Zammit was denied from close range, with Dorienne Grech well-placed to make the save.

However, their efforts were rewarded in the 24th minute following successive corners. Viverly Nanez struck a shot into the crossbar which landed at the feet of Gabriella Zahra at the far post. She calmly slotted the low rebound into the net.

Mtarfa attempted to respond with good runs by Shania Spiteri and Kerrie Ciappara. However, they lacked support to make much of the attack. The duo managed to link together on one occasion, but the cross into the box lacked the necessary venom. Claire Versteegh was also adventurous on the left wing, but struggled to link play with Laura Echeverri Tobon.

Birkirkara returned fire with Charlene Zammit converting the third goal in the 37th minute. The defender was found in the box with a cross, placing a right boot to place it into the far right corner of the net.

The match took a dark turn shortly after, with an extensive injury break as Dorienne Grech collapsed to the ground in pain following a further attack. Supported by the Malta FA-issued first-aider and the Birkirkara physio, the goalkeeper was deemed unable to continue and supported out of the pitch.

Despite having been nursing what looked to be a hamstring injury, Maria Abdilla took her stead in the goal, with Mtarfa forced to go down to ten players until half-time. She was quickly called to action, palming over a shot from Luana Vitoria Cabral. Paula Ciappara defended the first corner at the near post. Valentina Rapa forced a save from Maria Abdilla from the second, before Charlene Zammit fired home the rebound for the fourth goal of Birkirkara, and her second of the evening.

Referee Steve Baldacchino whistled for half-time shortly after. However, Mtarfa forfeited the match at half-time, with refereeing trio Steve Baldacchino, Kyle Cilia and Milos Solakovic re-appearing shortly after to confirm the end of the match.

Score at forfeit: Mtarfa 0 – 4 Birkirkara

Standings & Next Matches

Birkirkara will move into second place with 32 points, as the league heads into the final phase, sending the two teams their separate ways following the split into the Top Four and Bottom Four pools.

Mtarfa will have to sort out their situation by Friday 17th, when they are due to meet San Gwann at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30. On their part, San Gwann will be coming into it following a 4 – 0 win over Valletta. Birkirkara prepare for a fight for first against leaders Hibernians, to be played on Saturday 18th at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00.

Lead Image: Elise Bajada

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