01 Mar 20:59

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	3
COSPICUA ST THOMAS	4

A goal conceded in the dying moments of a thrilling game saw Birzebbugia Tigers succumb to a defeat at the hands of Cospicua St Thomas and bow out in an early stage of the IASC knock-out.

The Tigers went into the game with a depleted formation and took to the pitch with only ten men. The one-man deficit proved a setback for the Tigers as for long moments in the first period they were outclassed by their opponents. Cospicua took an early lead after 4 minutes when after a defensive mishap J.Grech slotted the ball home. The Tigers tried to shake off this early fright but they proved no real threat to the Cospicua's rearguard. It was no surprise when after a quarter of an hour they conceded a second goal courtesy of N.Attard who from a favourable position shot past Grech.

The Tigers were swift to react and two minutes later, Carabott Damato's diagonal first-time shot was parried by E.Attard in the path of Noel Tabone who blasted the ball into an empty net. Five minutes later the same Tabone headed wide from a corner kick. The Tigers were growing in confidence and a good defensive performance kept the St Thomas' forwards at bay. But 8 minutes before the break, Cospicua regained a two-goal lead when goalkeeper Grech fumbled an innocuous long ball thrown in the penalty area with the ball falling invitingly in the feet of S.Farrugia who scored an easy goal.

Cospicua began the second period on the attack and after two minutes a fierce shot by N.Attard finished inches wide. The inclusion in the interval of veteran E.Vella proved valuable as N.Tabone could now be deployed in a wide attacking role partnering Celeste in the attack. After 5 minutes the Tigers were awarded a penalty when T.Micallef was judged to have fouled Tabone in the penalty area. The same Tabone from the spot sent Attard the wrong way.

The Tigers were now in the driving seat and in the 12th minute they grasped a well-deserved equaliser. Carabott Damato served R.Celeste with a precise long ball, the agile striker eluded the opponents' last defender and lobbed the ball over the onrushing Cospicua keeper. The Tigers continued to press for more and minutes later, A.Agius' low cross created havoc in the Cospicua's defence who cleared with apprehension. Cospicua went close soon after as N.Attard's shot sailed wide. As penalty kicks loomed over, Cospicua scored the all-important goal seconds from the final whistle as Grech found space in the Tigers defence and beat Grech with a low shot.

LINE UP
1	EDMOND GRECH
2	ANTHERO AGIUS
3	PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
4	RYAN DEBATTISTA
5	CLAYTON XUEREB
6	ALESSANDRO SCICLUNA
7	EMANUEL VELLA
8	NOEL TABONE
9	RONNIE CELESTE (capt)
10	JOHN PAUL BARBARA
11	ENNIO DESIRA

 

15 Feb 2009 12:12

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	2
HAMRUN LIBERTY	5

Birzebbugia Tigers were relegated to the second division after losing heavily to Hamrun Liberty in the final match of the league. The Tigers needed a meagre point to retain their place in the first division but they were outclassed by their more determined opponents. It was the first time in the club's history that the Tigers tasted relegation and now they return to second division football after nine seasons. The disappointment for the drop was made bitter as the Tigers' direct opponents in the relegation battle, Luqa Juniors, did not turn up for their last match.

The first period of the match was an eventful affair. The Tigers seemed to have the upperhand in the initial moments as both N.Tabone and E.Bugeja threatened to open the score. After 6 mnutes Hamrun took the lead when R.Farrugia blasted a powerful rising shot that finished in the net. The Tigers recomposed themselves immediately but after a fine move, C.Formosa miscued his shot from the edge of the area. Xerxen, the Tigers' goalie was tested in the 10th minute when he saved Schembri's low shot. Seconds later the Tigers levelled matters when off a B.Bugeja's cross, Elton Bugeja volleyed home from close range.

Hamrun went again close to regain the lead in the 12th minute but with the goal wide open, Farrugia headed high. In the 27th minute Hamrun went ahead when O.Briffa pounced on a defensive mishap and placed the ball in the net. Two minutes later N.Tabone curled in a freekick from the left but Cardona was alert to neutralise. Three minutes before the break, Hamrun scored again. Briffa, in an evident offside position advanced undisturbed and beat Xerxen for the third time.

Hamrun went close to score again as early as the 2nd minute of the second period when Farrugia dribbled through the static Tigers' rearguard but Xerxen was quick to block his low shot. In the 6th minute the Tigers reduced the arrears but the goal was unjustly disallowed after B.Bugeja was deemed to have crossed the ball from beyond the goal line. The linesman was surely not in a clear position to signal this infringment as when Bugeja crossed he was to say the least twenty metres away from the goal line. This blatant error resulted vital as Hamrun scored again in the 11th minute courtesy of substitute Richard Attard.

B.Bugeja tried his luck with a long range effort that was saved by the Hamrun guardian. In the 17th minute after a blunder by the Hamrun defence, Carabott Damato, in a favourable position to score, fumbled with the ball and a rare goal-scoring opportunity evaporated. Hamrun inflicted more damage in the 23rd minute when Said's piledriver beat inexorably in the back of the net. There was time for the Tigers to score their second goal when E.Bugeja connected to a long pass and deposited the ball in the net. There was no repetition of last season's narrow escape and as minutes ticked away relentlessly the Tigers had to succumb to the heavy blow of relegation.

LINE UP
21	MATTHEW XERXEN
2	ANTHERO AGIUS (capt)
3	ALESSANDRO SCICLUNA
4	MICHAEL CIAPPARA
5	MARK MIGNECO
6	CHARLTON CAMILLERI
7	ELTON BUGEJA
8	CLIVE FORMOSA
9	BRONWEN BUGEJA
10	NOEL TABONE
19	PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
IN	11. JUSTIN CAMILLERI
OUT	CHARLTON CAMILLERI
IN	13. CHRIS ABDILLA
OUT	ALESSANDRO SCICLUNA

 

 

 

 

 

08 Feb 2009 12:54

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	6
ZABBAR CRYSTAL BLUES	3

Four goals by Ronnie Celeste paved the way for a comfortable yet precious Birzebbugia Tigers' win over already relegated opponents Zabbar Crystal Blues by 6 goals to 3. The Tigers now move one point adrift of Luqa Juniors and await for the last matches to be played today week to know their fate.

Zabbar, who sport a white and green shirt although known as the Crystal Blues, had the first opportunity of the match coming their way but S.Agius' header finished wide. In the 3rd minute, the Tigers forged ahead when Formosa freed with a clever back heel John Paul Barbara and the latter blasted home from an acute angle. The Tigers continued to press for more goals and in the 11th minute Celeste gained space in the penalty area but his diagonal shot finished wide. 9 minutes later the same Ronnie Celeste doubled the score when he volleyed home from close range.

The Tigers seemed to be in cruise control but Zabbar reduced the arrears after 26 minutes when the Tigers' defence was caught napping and Sapiano slotted home from close range. A minute later Celeste found himself unmarked in the opponents' area and beat Cassar to restabilize a two-goal advantage. More goals were in store as in the 29th minute K.Vassallo caught the Tigers unawares and dribbled through the entire defence before placing the ball into the net. The first half goal bonanza was completed in the 33rd minute when Celeste sealed his hat trick by beating Cassar with a rising shot.

Barely two minutes passed from the turn of play when Celeste finished off a fine move with an easy goal to widen further the gap. A minute later Zabbar keeper Cassar dived to his right to block Barbara's powerful shot. In the 7th minute Clive Formosa darted through the Zabbar defence and slotted the ball coolly past Cassar. The Tigers continued to dictate play and Celeste went twice close to score again but first he missed the ball in front of the keeper and moments later his header finished high.

Midfielder C.Camilleri tried his luck with a long range effort that finished inches wide and in the 17th mnute Zabbar scored again when J.P.Galea was left unmarked in the penalty area and the lanky defender's header finished at the back of the net. The last opportunity of the game fell into Carabott Damato's feet but the versatile midfielder opted to shoot from an impossible angle and the chance was wasted.

LINE UP
21	MATTHEW XERXEN
2	ANTHERO AGIUS (capt)
3	JEAN PAUL BUSUTTIL
14	CHRIS BERNARD FARRUGIA
5	MARK MIGNECO
6	CHARLTON CAMILLERI
7	MATTHEW AXIAQ
8	CLIVE FORMOSA
9	RONNIE CELESTE
10	NOEL TABONE
11	JOHN PAUL BARBARA
IN	4. RYAN DEBATTISTA
OUT	JOHN PAUL BARBARA
IN	15. ALESSANDRO SCICLUNA
OUT	JEAN PAUL BUSUTTIL
IN	19. PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
OUT	CHARLTON CAMILLERI

 

 

26 Jan 2009 15:38

LUQA DRAW DENTS TIGERS' SURVIVAL HOPES

Luqa Juniors 1-1 draw against title aspirants Cospicua St Thomas could prove vital and send Birzebbugia Tigers crashing down to the IASC Second Division after eight consecutive years in this association's top flight category. Although the situation seems critical, the Tigers could yet avoid the drop in the final two matches of the season. In two weeks time they face the already relegated Zabbar Crystal Blues and nothing less than a win would satisfy the Tigers. Seven days later the Tigers face in the final match Hamrun Liberty. If the Tigers win and Luqa fail in their quest to gain two points, the Tigers would be safe even if Luqa draw their last match. If the Tigers fail to win but at least get a draw against Hamrun, their fate lies in the hands of Senglea Youngsters who need a win with a high margin of goals against Luqa to secure the 1st division title. If B'bugia Tigers and Luqa Juniors finish level on points, it would be the Tigers that retain their place in the first division courtesy of the win in the direct encounter (3-2).

The remaining matches from the 1st division are:

8 February 2009: Mosta Gunners vs Hamrun Liberty, Birzebbugia Tigers vs Zabbar Crystal Blues, Zurrieq Wolves vs Cospicua St Thomas

15 February 2009: Zabbar Crystal Blues vs Floriana Ajax, Birzebbugia Tigers vs Hamrun Liberty, Senglea Youngsters vs Luqa Juniors

11 Jan 2009 10:58

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	0
COSPICUA ST THOMAS	2

Birzebbugia Tigers suffered another defeat this time at the expense of Cospicua St Thomas plummeting further towards relegation. Although the situation may seem critical, Luqa Juniors' defeat against Floriana (0-1) meant that a glimmer of hope appeared for the Tigers as they can avoid the drop in the last two vital matches of this dimunitive one-round league.

Chances were few and far in between in the initial exchanges of the match and the first 35 minutes produced few noteworthy goal-scoring action. B.Bugeja tried his luck with a long-range effort after 6 minutes but Lia blocked well. At the other end Xerxen came to the rescue when he punched away a cross thrown in the Tigers' penalty area. Two minutes later, Tigers' forward E.Bugeja headed from a favourable position but missed the target completely.

After 26 minutes, the Tigers were awarded a freekick from just outside the penalty area but Migneco's powerful shot was saved well by the Cospicua keeper. Few minutes later Carabott Damato served the unmarked Migneco whose first-time shot was blocked by C.Ellul who avoided further trouble. The last opportunity of a balanced first half went Cospicua's way but Bonnett's diagonal shot ended wide.

The second period was slightly a more lively affair. After 5 minutes, a G.Mizzi's mishap in the Tigers' defence created panic but the ball was somewhat cleared away. Three minutes later, Brignone went close but his shot was saved by Xerxen. On the turn of play, the Tigers went close but P.Cachia's effort lacked accuracy. On the 14th minute mark, some non-chalant defending by the Tigers saw Mizzi was robbed of the ball, but D.Galea came to the rescue as he cleared the ball from the penalty area.

After 16 minutes, the Tigers had a golden opportunity to take the lead but P.Carabott Damato was unlucky when he did not connect well to a low E.Bugeja's inviting cross. Six minutes later C.Ellul tested Tigers' substitute goalie C.Abdilla with a rasping shot. Moments later Cospicua took a surprise lead when defender E.Lia's cross-shot looped over Abdilla and finished inexorably at the back of the net.

The Tigers did not manage to recompose themselves and the opponents urged forward for another goal and they managed to double the score on the 28th minute mark, when Brignone escaped through the Tigers' defence and beat Abdilla from close range.

LINE UP
21	MATTHEW XERXEN
2	ANTHERO AGIUS (capt)
3	JEAN PAUL BUSUTTIL
4	DANIEL GALEA
5	GORDON MIZZI
6	PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
13	HUBERT FRIGGIERI
8	BRONWEN BUGEJA
9	ELTON BUGEJA
10	MARK MIGNECO
11	PETER MARK CACHIA
IN	1. CHRISTOPHER ABDILLA
OUT	MATTHEW XERXEN
IN	14. MATTHEW AXIAQ
OUT	MARK MIGNECO
IN	17. MATTHEW SCICLUNA
OUT	PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO

 

14 Dec 2008 11:02

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	0
MOSTA GUNNERS	2

Two goals conceded in the dying moments of the match saw Birzebbugia Tigers succumb to their fourth seasonal defeat and plunge dangerously in the relegation zone.

The first period of the match was a balanced affair and goal-scoring opportunities sporadic on either side. The Tigers' forward-line was void of ideas as Mosta keeper had a tranquil day and was only tested once during the second period. In the 9th minute Mosta created panic in the Tigers defence but after a clearance by Agius, A.Gatt's shot was deflected in a corner kick by D.Galea. Nine minutes later, Xerxen blocked Falzon's shot. On the 29th minute mark, the Tigers had their first attacking venture. Carabott Damato found Migneco with a pin-point cross but the latter's header finished high.

Mosta were a livelier side in the second period and went close on various occasions in the first minutes when Xerxen saved twice on Falzon and Brincat. In the eight minute, Xerxen once again was providential when he produced a stunning save off a close-range deviation by A.Gatt. After 16 minutes Mosta were awarded a penalty after a foul by G.Mizzi in the penalty area, but Xerxen blocked R.Pace's shot from the penalty spot.

Mosta continued to dictate gameplay, the Tigers trying to salvage a point from this crucial match. After 27 minutes, the Tigers created their only attempt at goal, but Carabott Damato's looping shot from the edge of the area saw Sciberras save with no difficulty. Seconds late Mosta's R.Pace went again close to open the score but his shot was saved by Xerxen. As minutes ticked away and the Tigers seemed to hold on to this precious point, 3 minutes from the final whistle sub Shawn Vella unleashed a powerful shot that beat Xerxen inexorably. No time for the Tigers to brace themselves for this shock as seconds from the end of the match another substitute, Colin Gatt beat Xerxen from close range to widen the gap and tie the final score to 2-0

LINE UP
21	MATTHEW XERXEN
2	ANTHERO AGIUS
3	JEAN PAUL BUSUTTIL
4	DANIEL GALEA
5	GORDON MIZZI
6	CHARLTON CAMILLERI
7	MARK MIGNECO
8	BRONWEN BUGEJA
9	RONNIE CELESTE (capt)
10	PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
11	JOHN PAUL BARBARA
IN	13. DARREN SPITERI
OUT	7. MARK MIGNECO

 

30 Nov 2008 13:28

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	1
FLORIANA AJAX	5

Birzebbugia Tigers slipped into troubled waters as they slumped to a heavy defeat at the hands of league leaders Floriana Ajax by 5 goals to 1.

The Tigers threw the opponents on the defensive in the initial period of the match although they never created goal scoring opportunities. After 5 minutes they found themselves a goal down courtesy of a freak goal, when Floriana's J.Farrugia low cross was misjudjed by Abdilla and finished at the back of the net. The match continued to be a balanced affair with gameplay restricted to mid-pitch and the Tigers had to wait until the 19th minute to threaten to score when newcomer Debattista's low shot finished wide. Moments later Celeste's incursion was halted as he was about to conclude from just inside the area.

On the 24th minute mark the Tigers gained a deserved equaliser when directly from a corner kick Ronnie Celeste beat Agius. Two minutes later the same striker beat the Floriana keeper but was denied by veteran D.Cauchi as the latter cleared the ball off the line. On the other end Abdilla dived to his left to block Brincat's piledriver. A minute later B.Farrugia's back header was deviated into a corner by Abdilla and from the subsequent corner kick Floriana regained the lead as the ball fell into Felice's path who concluded from close range. M.Galea could have increased the lead a minute from the interval but his rising shot finished high. The Tigers were unlucky not to score in the 36th minute as Celeste's looping header beat the inert Floriana keeper but the ball finished inches wide.

The second period saw Tigers on the attack in search of an equaliser and after 8 minutes Agius denied Debattista twice in succession with two providential saves. Two minutes later Floriana widened the gap as Galea's header was met by Cosic at the far right of the Tigers' penalty area who crossed low for Felice to slam the ball home. The Tigers were falling in disarray and sub P.Galea went twice close to score again but his double effort fell off target. After 20 minutes the Tigers were dealt with a fatal blow as N.Tabone was red-carded after hurling remarks at the assistent referee.

Floriana were in crusing control and it was no surprise when after 29 minutes P.Galea beat Abdilla to increase the lead. E.Desira when close for the Tigers but his long-range effort was parried into a corner. A minute from the end, Floriana sealed their victory with a bizzarre own goal, when Farrugia cleared off the line with the ball hitting Migneco and finished at the back of the net.

LINE UP
1	CHRIS ABDILLA
2	ANTHERO AGIUS
3	MARK MIGNECO
14	CHRIS BERNARD FARRUGIA
13	DARREN SPITERI
6	RYAN DEBATTISTA
7	CHARLTON CAMILLERI
8	CLIVE FORMOSA
9	RONNIE CELESTE (capt)
10	NOEL TABONE
11	ENNIO DESIRA
IN	4. PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
OUT	6. RYAN DEBATTISTA

 

16 Nov 2008 12:24

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	3
LUQA JUNIORS	2

Birzebbugia Tigers bounced back to winning ways and earned their first points of the season when they beat Luqa Juniors 3-2 in a thrilling game courtesy of a late goal by Noel Tabone, the 500th goal scored in all competitive matches of the Tigers.

Barely 3 minutes had passed when Luqa took an early as the Tigers' defence was caught on the wrong foot and J.Azzopardi found space on the right beating Xerxen from close range with a low shot. The Tigers reversed immediately on the attack and Formosa's direct freekick finished wide. A minute later Luqa threatened to double the score but Micallef's shot missed the target. Formosa again tried his luck for the Tigers but his shot was saved by D'Agostino.

On the 13th minute mark, the Tigers grabbed the equaliser when captain Ronnie Celeste unleashed a spectacular volley that finished at the back of the net. Seconds later debutant Elton Bugeja opted to shoot from long-range after a mishap in the Luqa defence but his shot was well saved by D'Agostino in the opponents' goalpost. Four minutes later, B.Bugeja advanced on the left but his low tempting cross finished in barren territory. The Tigers remained in the driving seat and were unlucky not to take the lead in the 25th minute when Celeste found a gap in the Luqa's rearguard but his shot finished against the crossbar.

The second period saw the Tigers continue to press for the lead and created a host of goal-scoring opportunities. After 6 minutes, Tabone put B.Bugeja through but the latter's shot was blocked by a defender. 15 minutes had gone by when the same Bugeja found a gap in the Luqa defence but was floored by Galea as he was about to conclude. The referee waved play on and booked Bugeja albeit harsh protests for a penalty.

Four minutes later Bugeja once again was slow to react in a swift counter-attack and his shot was blocked by a defender. On the turn of play Luqa took a surprise lead as the Tigers' defence was caught napping and J.Azzopardi lobbed over Xerxen to put last season's champions once again in the lead. Seconds later the Tigers snatched a quick equaliser as Celeste pounced upon a low diagonal cross and slammed the ball home from close range. More goal-scoring action was in store as E.Bugeja's piledriver from outside the penalty area hit the woodwork. Five minutes from the end, the Tigers scored the all-important goal as Xerxen's long kick bounced in the heart of the opponents' defence and Noel Tabone rose high and nodded the ball home past the onrushing D'Agostino.

LINE UP
21	MATTHEW XERXEN
2	ANTHERO AGIUS
3	MARK MIGNECO
14	CHRIS BERNARD FARRUGIA
5	DANIEL GALEA
6	BRONWEN BUGEJA
7	ELTON BUGEJA
8	CLIVE FORMOSA
9	RONNIE CELESTE
10	NOEL TABONE
11	ENNIO DESIRA
IN	4. PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
OUT	11. ENNIO DESIRA
IN	19. CHARLTON CAMILLERI
OUT	6. BRONWEN BUGEJA

 

 

19 Oct 2008 19:44

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	1
ZURRIEQ WOLVES	2

Two late goals conceded in the final minutes of the game saw Birzebbugia Tigers succumb to the second consecutive defeat when they were beaten by Zurrieq Wolves 2-1. The Tigers are now standing rock bottom of the First Division with no points from two games.

Zurrieq began the match on the offensive and as early as the 4th minute Agius was providential in blocking Borg's tempting low cross. Five minutes later, Tigers' goalie Xerxen saved well on an Abdilla shot. On the other end, Celeste found a breakthrough in the Wolves' defence but Azzopardi rushed to the rescue. On the 14th minute mark, the Tigers took the lead when debutant Mario Galea served Paul Carabott Damato who dribbled past Plumpton and with a low diagonal shot beat the Zurrieq guardian.

A.Camilleri tested Xerxen who produced a fine save to block his diagonal right-footed effort. Tigers' midfielder B.Bugeja finished a solo effort after 19 minutes with a grounder that was blocked by Azzopardi. Zurrieq increased their efforts to level the score and central defender Chetcuti's header finished inches high. Moments later Zurrieq had a golden chance to equalise but Abdilla's header with the goal gaping finished over the crossbar.

The first goal scoring opportunity of the second period fell in Celeste's feet but yet again Azzopardi rushed outside the area to prevent any more damage for Zurrieq. V.Camilleri went close for the Tigers directly from a freekick but his shot ended wide, while on the other end of the pitch Prendergast's shot found once again Xerxen on the alert.

The Tigers' defence, aided by some Xerxen heroics, looked well under control and it was somewhat of a surprise when Zurrieq equalised nine minutes from the end. Chetcuti, now deployed in a deep attacking role, chested the ball towards A.Camilleri who,from a dubious offside position, beat Xerxen with a first-time volley.

Three minutes later, Tigers' substitute Barbara was red-carded for blasphemous language after a slight accident in mid-pitch. Zurrieq were now in the driving seat and Xerxen produced a couple of miraculous saves off Chetcuti and Borg. But more misery was in store for the Tigers as right in the dying moments of the game, E.Borg blasted a powerful rising shot from outside the area that finished at the back of the net.

LINE UP
21	MATTHEW XERXEN
2	ANTHERO AGIUS
3	JEAN-PAUL BUSUTTIL
4	GORDON MIZZI
5	MARK MIGNECO (capt)
6	BRONWEN BUGEJA
7	MARIO GALEA
8	VINCE CAMILLERI
9	RONNIE CELESTE
10	FELIX PEPLOW
11	PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO
IN	16. JOHN PAUL BARBARA
OUT	10. FELIX PEPLOW
IN	14. CHRIS BUGEJA
OUT	11. PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO

 

05 Oct 2008 10:45

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS	1
SENGLEA YOUNGSTERS	2

 

Birzebbugia Tigers were left to rue several missed opportunities as they succumbed to a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Senglea Youngsters in the opening match of this season IASC 1 division.

Barely a minute had passed when C.Camilleri tried his luck directly from a freekick after Celeste was felled outside the area, but his shot was easy prey for Senglea goalie Gatt. 5 minutes later Gatt produced a fine save off a right-footed Barbara effort and moments later Camilleri's shot ended wide. In their first attacking foray Senglea took the lead against the run of play when Massa served N.Abela from the left and the latter blasted home from close range.

The Tigers surged forward for an equaliser and on the 22nd minute mark Celeste had a golden opportunity to score when he was put through after a pin-point pass from defender Agius but was anticipated by Gatt as he was about to conclude. 3 minutes later Senglea doubled the score when Azzopardi's shot was blocked by the Tigers' defence and the ball fell into Piccinino's path who had an easy task to beat Xerxen. Defender Zerafa was again close for Senglea to score but his long-range effort was saved by Xerxen. On the other end Axiaq tried his luck but Gatt saved again well the midfielder's shot from inside the area.

After the interval, B.Bugeja was brought in to spur the Tigers' attacking play, and this move reaped dividends after 2 minutes as N.Tabone scored with a cute lob over Gatt to reduce the arrears. Two minutes later Celeste found a gap in the opponents' defence but his diagonal shot created no real threat. The Tigers continued to persist in their attacking gameplay and Celeste was again denied after his shot was blocked inside the area with the ball falling in Migneco's path who saw his shot finish inches wide.

After 13 minutes the Tigers had a golden opportunity to equalise when Celeste eluded the offside trap and beat Gatt with a low shot but the ball was agonisingly cleared off the goal line by Farrugia to deny the Tigers with a deserved equaliser. On the other end Xerxen proved providential when he blocked from close range Abela's shot.

As minutes ticked away the Tigers initial flurry seemed to vanish and to make matters worse five minutes from the end defender Ciappara was red carded for protesting with the match official. Axiaq tried his luck with a shot that ended high with the last opportunity of the game falling in Azzopardi's way as the Senglea midfielder saw his shot from long distance finish wide.

 

 

ONCE AGAIN TIGERS FACE SENGLEA YOUNGSTERS IN OPENING MATCH

For the second year running, Birzebbugia Tigers will face Senglea Youngsters in the opening match of IASC 1 division. Last year the two teams finished in a 2-2 stalemate. Moreover Tigers' last match last season was against these same opponents when they were eliminated from the knock out by the former IASC champions. The Tigers have to tackle a tough first part of the league as the next two games are against Zurrieq Wolves and last year's champions Luqa Juniors. The last match in this diminutive league is against newcomers Hamrun Liberty in February 2009 barely four months after commencement.

The Tigers match schedule is as follows:

DATE	TIME	OPPONENT
05 OCT 2008	8:30	vs SENGLEA YOUNGSTERS
19 OCT 2008	11:00	vs ZURRIEQ WOLVES
16 NOV 2008	9:45	vs LUQA JUNIORS
30 NOV 2008	9:45	vs FLORIANA AJAX
14 DEC 2008	8:30	vs MOSTA GUNNERS
11 JAN 2009	8:30	vs COSPICUA ST THOMAS
08 FEB 2009	9:45	vs ZABBAR CRYSTAL BLUES
15 FEB 2009	9:45	vs HAMRUN LIBERTY

 

 

 

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