BOV Premier League | Birkirkara 1 – Sliema Wanderers 2

Birkirkara had the first opportunity on goal after four minutes. Frank Temile went on a good run and attempted a shot that went high.

Temile was close again on the 6th minute. Matthew Guillaumier sent an excellent through ball towards the Nigerian who went forward and fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area that sailed wide of the post.

Sliema responded on the 13th minute. Denni Dos Santoas Rocha delivered the ball towards Ryan Spiteri whose effort was neutralised by Miroslav Kopric.

Three minutes later, James Brincat of Birkirkara hit a strong shot from a free kick that ended up slightly high.

The Stripes were close to go ahead on the 22nd minute. Brincat delivered a cross from a corner that was met by Predrag Jovic. The defender headed the ball towards Matteo Desira Buttigieg who failed to make proper contact with the ball.

On the other hand, the Wandereres produced another opportunity on goal on the 28th minute. Matias Mucardi sent a cross towards Alex Muscat who flicked the ball for Jean Paul Farrugia. The Maltese striker fired a shot from close range that went slightly wide.

Farrugia made up for losing this chance by putting Sliema ahead on the 34th minute. Spiteri sent a cross inside the penalty area towards Farrugia who headed past Kopric.

John Buttigieg’s side doubled the score on the 42nd minute. Gabriel Aqulina went inside the penalty area and passed the ball towards Farrugia. The twenty-four year old controlled the ball and placed it inside the net to score his second goal of the match.

Farrugia kept on building on his excellent performance and went close again on the 62nd minute. The striker fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area that took a deflection off a defender for a corner.

Birkirkara lost a golden opportunity on the 69th minute. Guillaumier sent a cross inside the penalty area which Glenn Zammit failed to hold. Possession fell for Vito Plut who over hit his pass towards Temile as the chance was lost.

Fifteen minutes from time, Birkirkara were denied by the post. Shaun Bajada crossed the ball towards Jovic whose header hit the woodwork.

The stripes reduced the margin of the score on the 82nd minute. From a corner, the ball was delivered inside a crowded penalty area. The Sliema defence failed to clear their lines and Christian Bubalovic slotted the ball inside the net.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Miroslav Kopric, Christian Bubalovic, Matthew Guillaumier, Mislav Andjelkovic, Matteo Desira Buttigieg, Vito Plut, Frank Temile, Joseph Zerafa, Cain Attard, Predrag Jovic, James Brincat.

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Glenn Zammit, Peter Xuereb, Alex Muscat, Roger De Souza Villas Boas, Stefano Bianciardi, Gabriel Aquilina, Matias Muchardi, Gary Muir, Ryan Spiteri, Jean Paul Farrugia, Denni Rocha dos Santos.

Referee: Mario Apap

Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Chris Francalanza

Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri

BOV Player of the Match: Jean Paul Farrugia (Sliema Wanderers)