Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/977918
maltatoday SUNDAY 6 MAY 2018 Sports 56 FOOTBALL - FA TROPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE BORG Birkirkara .................. 1 Valletta ..................... 2 WARREN ZAMMIT BOTH Birkirkara and Valletta were eager to lift the FA Trophy in order to finish off their cam- paign in the best possible way. After defeating Sliema Wander- ers in a semi-final match that was decided by a penalty shoot- out, Birkirkara confirmed their place in Europe. However, knowing that the pressure was on Valletta, the stripes were looking for a great performance in order to win the second most prestigious trophy in Maltese football. On the other hand, Valletta who were still in festive mode following their Premier League triumph had already made it clear that they wanted to secure the FA Trophy as well. The Mal- tese champions made it to the fi- nal after winning against Balzan in the semi-final. This match also brought an excellent attendance towards the National Stadium. In fact, a great atmosphere was created by both sets of supporters. Birkirkara's coach, Paul Zam- mit, made two changes in his starting line-up. Nikola Vukanac and Carlos Alberto Da Silva Goncalves Junior replaced Lucas Maia and Ognjen Rolovic. Danilo Doncic of Valletta made one forced change in his side. Juan Gill Cruz took Steve Borg's place as the latter was suspended following his send off against Balzan. Valletta were the better side during the first half and man- aged to threaten Birkirkara on a number of occasions. The citizens created the first chance of the match on the 19th minute. Matteo Piciollo made space for himself and fired a powerful shot that ended up marginally off target. Two minutes later, Miguel Al- ba dispossessed Ryan Scicluna and went through on tight f lank before hitting a shot that was blocked by Kristijan Naumovski. Valletta kept on insisting and went close again on the 28th minute. Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre de- livered an excellent pass towards Santiago Malano whose shot was saved by Naumovski. Naumovski denied Valletta again on the 34th minute. Piciol- lo served Kyrian Nwoko and the latter saw his shot being pushed away by Birkirkara's custodian. Valletta's efforts paid off on the 41st minute. Alba delivered a cross from a corner towards Rowen Muscat. The Maltese midfielder headed the ball towards Nwoko who di- rected his effort past Naumovs- ki. Birkirkara hit back immedi- ately as Waldemar Acosta was Valletta complete Valletta couldn't hope for a better season as they secured a 2-1 win over Birkirkara to win their fourteenth FA Trophy