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MALTATODAY 29 September 2019

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28 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 BOV PREMIER LEAGUE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE BORG Birkirkara come back twice to share points with Valletta IN an entertaining match at the Na- tional Stadium, Valletta and Birkirkara shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Birkirkara made a number of high profile signings during the transfer period in their attempts to strengthen their squad. However, they came into this match sitting second from bottom with just two points. On the other end, Valletta were com- ing from a good win over Balzan. The Maltese champions also failed to make the start they wished for. Despite this, they showed signs of improvement in their last matches and find themselves one point behind the three current leaders. Valletta created the first chance of the match after seven minutes. Bojan Kaljevic received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a low shot that was parried by Andrew Hogg. Following the save, Oscar Carniello played the ball backwards towards Hogg and Birkirkara's goalkeeper han- dled the ball. The referee was on the alert and whistled for an indirect free- kick from inside the penalty area. This free-kick proved fatal for Birkirkara as Valletta forged ahead. Douglas Packer played the ball in the direction of Steve Borg who drilled a low shot that filtered past Birkirkara's players who were attempting to block the ball. Birkirkara hit back and equalised on the 37th minute. Maurizio Vella played Henrique Prado through and the latter lobbed the ball past Henry Bonello. Valletta regained their lead on the 57th minute. Kevin Tulimieri's cross was met by Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre who headed the ball past Hogg. Birkirkara drew level once again on the 69th minute. Prado was floored by Jean Borg inside the penalty area and the referee signalled for a penalty. Miguel Angel Alba stepped up and converted. The Stripes kept on insisting and cre- ated another chance on the 80th min- ute. Michael Mifsud received the ball down the right flank before hitting a powerful shot that was blocked by Bonello. Two minutes later, Federico Falcone of Birkirkara fired a powerful drive that forced another save from Valletta's custodian. Birkirkara remained on the offensive during the latter stages of the match but Valletta held on to take a point. Birkirkara starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Enrico pepe, Maurizio Vella (Edison Dos Santos Tarabai-83), Kurt Zammit, Roderick Briffa, Federico Fal- cone, Cain Attard, Henrique Prado, Oscar Carniello, Miguel Angel Alba (Michael Mifsud-74), Ryan Fenech Valletta starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Bojan Kaljevic, Jean Borg, Enmy Manuel Pena Bel- tre, Joseph Zerafa (Ryan Camilleri-73), Douglas Packer, Irakli Dzaria (Nicholas Pulis-45), Mario Fontanella, Yuri de Je- sus Messias (Shaun Dimech-63), Kevin Tulimieri Referee: Malcolm Spiteri Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Mitchell Scerri Fourth Official: Matthew Degabriele BOV Player of the Match: Henrique Prado (Birkirkara) Birkirkara Valletta 2 2

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