Birkirkara stay on course to retain title

Birkirkara enjoyed total control of the match from the start.

On the 27th minute, Birkirkara managed to take the lead. When a cross by Edward Herrera was partially saved by goalkeeper Daniel Balzan, Jhonnattan benites da Conceicao scored from close range.

Birkirkara doubled the score on the 61st minute. Off a freekick by Jhonnattann, Zach Muscat’s header left no chance for goalkeeper Daniel Balzan to make the score 2-0.

Birkirkara had total control of the match and on the 74th minute they would have a three goal lead. Edward Herrera’s powerful shot hit the woodwork before entering the net leaving no chance for the Hibernians goalkeeper.

Birkirkara made sure they sealed victory when they made it 4-0 on the 82nd minute. Ryan Scicluna served Jhonnattan Benites da Conceicao who then dribbled past goalkeeper Daniel Balzan to then score into an empty net.

Hibernians managed to score a consolation goal on the 87th minute. Off a cross by Clayton Failla, Jackson di Lima Siqueira left no chance for goalkeeper Justin Haber to make the final score 4-1.

HIBERNIANS Daniel Balzan, Timothy Tabone Desira (83’ Jurgen Degabriele), Igor Radusinovic, Jonathan Pearson, Jackson di Lima Siqueira, Bjorn Kristensen (68’ Andrew Cohen), Zoran Levnaic, Clayton Failla, Obinna Obiefule, Edison Luis dos Santos, Jean Paul Farrugia (68’ Johann Bezzina).

Subs not used: Jurgen Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Matthew Bartolo, Brandon Muscat.

Coach: Branko Nisevic

BIRKIRKARA Justin Haber, Zach Muscat, Nikola Vukanac, Matheus Bissi, Joseph Zerafa, Rowen Muscat (83’ Frank Temile), Paul Fenech (71’ Gareth Sciberras), Ryan Scicluna, Haruna Shola Shodiya, Edward Herrera (76’ Ryan Camenzuli), Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao.

Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Daniel Zerafa, Terence Vella, Ronaille Calheira Seara.

Coach: Paul Zammit

Referee: Mario Apap

Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Sammy Attard

Fourth Official: Paul Caruana

Yellow Cards: N. Vukanac, E. L. Dos Santos

Red Cards: 73’ Obinna Obieule

Scorers: 27’ Jhonnattann Benites, 61’ Zach Muscat, 74’ Edward Herrera, 82’ Jhonnattann Benites, 87’ Jackson di Lima Siqueira

BOV Player of the Match: Edward Herrera (Birkirkara)