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29 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORTS BOV PREMIER LEAGUE WARREN ZAMMIT BIRKIRKARA scored three goals inside the second half as Paul Zammit's side overcame Mosta 3-0. Mosta started this match look- ing to bounce back from a se- ries of negative results. In fact, the relegation candidates have found themselves occupying twelfth place. During this week, Mosta also dismissed Enrico Piccioni and appointed Mark Miller as coach. On the other hand, Birkirkara started the season poorly and are struggling to gain consist- ency. In fact, the Stripes started the match seventh in the table and nine points behind Gżira United and Hibernians. Birkirkara had the upper hand throughout the first half, but were finding it difficult to pen- etrate Mosta's defence. In fact, supporters had to wait till the half hour mark in order to witness the first chance on goal. Marcelo Franca De Sique- ira's shot from a free-kick was neutralised by Andreas Vella. Mosta were forced to make an early substitution on the 35th minute as Zachary Brincat suf- fered an injury and had to be re- placed by James Brincat. Birkirkara kept on control- ling and were denied by the post during the additional time given by the referee prior to half-time. Matthew Guillaum- ier's cross from the right was taken by Eduardo Ferreira Dos Santos whose header landed on the upright. Zammit's men started the sec- ond half on the offensive and lost a promising chance on the 50th minute. Mislav Andelkovic won the ball in the midfield and deliv- ered a through ball towards Mi- chael Mifsud. The veteran player ran forward and managed to avoid the goalkeeper; however, he took a heavy touch and the ball went out for a goal-kick. De Siqueira sent Birkirkara ahead on the 55th minute. The Brazilian drilled a low shot from distance that gave Vella no chance. The stripes could have added another goal four minutes later. From a free-kick, Jake Grech delivered the ball towards Petar Orlandic whose effort sailed slightly wide. A minute later, De Siqueira fired a powerful shot from out- side the penalty area that was saved by Vella. Birkirkara remained in con- trol and threatened again on the 65th minute. Guillaumier's low shot from distance ended up centimetres wide. On the 68th minute, it was Mifsud who unleashed a pow- erful shot from a distance that went marginally over. Mosta replied on the 71st min- ute. Dexter Xuereb received the ball on the right before hitting a diagonal shot that went slightly off target. Xuereb lost a great opportuni- ty to equalise on the 76th min- ute. The unmarked substitute received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but failed to hit the target despite having all the time to coordinate. Miller's side increased their efforts and were denied by the post on the 80th minute. Renan Abnder De Oliveira went inside the penalty area and delivered a low pass towards Xuereb. How- ever, the young striker saw his close range effort hitting the cross bar. Mosta paid harshly for losing this opportunity as Birkirkara doubled their advantage on the 84th minute. Tyrone Far- rugia fouled Guillaumier in- side the penalty area and the referee ordered a penalty. De Siqueira stepped up and con- verted. Birkirkara sealed the issue a minute later. Mifsud went past a number of defenders and hit a strong shot past Vella. During the remaining min- utes, Birkirkara were happy to control possession as the stripes took home the three points. Mosta starting line-up: An- dreas Vella, Kei Hirose, Re- nan Abner De Oliveira, Mas- simo Sammartino, Rafael Da Silva Marisco, Misael Miranda Gomez, Tyrone Farrugia, Ste- ven Binnici, Zachary Brincat, Juri Cisotti, Romeu Romao Birkirkara starting line-up: Kristijan Naumovski, Danilo Augusto Chapoval, Matthew Guillaumier, Mislav Andelko- vic, Peter Orlandic, Jake Grech, Eduardo Ferreira Dos Santos, Michael Mifsud, Cain Attard, Marcelo Franca De Siqueira, Myles Beerman Referee: Matthew Degabriele Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, William Debattista Fourth Official: Malcolm Spi- teri BOV Player of the Match: Marcelo Franca De Siqueira (Birkirkara) Birkirkara return to winning ways SLIEMA Wanderers kept the pace with the top sides as they registered a 2-0 win over Sen- glea. The Wanderers forged ahead on the 38th minute. Following a corner from the right, Jonathan Pearson headed the ball past Matthew Farrugia. Younes Marzouk doubled their advantage on the 50th minute. The Maroccan player snatched on a loose ball and finished in- side the net. Following this result, Sliema are fourth, while Senglea remain bottom of the table. Senglea Athletic starting line- up: Matthew Farrugia, Brandon Muscat, Leighton Grech, Braian Volpini, Imanol Gonzalez, Zach Cassar, Matias Garcia, Rene Au- gusto Caseres, Karl Cutajar, Lar- son Mallia, Andre White Sliema Wanderers start- ing line-up: Jake Galea, Matias Muchardi, Jonathan Pearson, Jefferson de Assis, Ryan Fenech, Ashong Nii Nortey, Michele Sansone, Kilian Amehi, Claudio Pani, Stefano Bianciardi, Younes Marzouk Referee: Emmanuel Grech Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Mitchell Scerri Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri BOV Player of the Match: Younes Marzouk (Sliema) Sliema Wanderers beat Senglea Athletic PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE BORG