jan 08 2005 20:30

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS vs ZURRIEQ WOLVES 1 - 1

Birzebbugia Tigers were left to rue several missed opportunities and an obscene refereeing misjudgement as they were held in a 1-1 draw by fellow strugglers Zurrieq Wolves. The Tigers now share the penultime position in the table together with the same Zurrieq Wolves and Senglea Youngsters with three points from five matches. This match marked the return of Robert Bugeja, the club's joint leading top scorer of all times, after almost a decade with the aim to rekindle some sparks in the offensive line.

The match could not have had a better start for the Tigers as in their first surge forward they opened the score. Referee Apap signalled a foul from just outside the Zurrieq penalty area and midfielder Vince Camilleri netted with a fine shot that left Sammut motionless. The Tigers were the better side during the initial period of the first half although they had no clear chances of doubling their advantage. In a counter-attack, Bugeja was brought down in the penalty area but the referee waved play on. On the other side of the pitch, debutant goalkeeper P.Celeste was always on the alert to deny Zurrieq from equalising.

The second period of the match saw Zurrieq doubling their effort in their quest to equalise. Caruana saw his effort from the right flank saved by Celeste. M.Camilleri tested again Celeste's reflexes when he tried his luck with a fierce shot from outside the area, but the Tigers' goalie again blocked well. In a rare counter-attack, Neville Farrugia missed a golden opportunity when he rounded two defenders before seeing his close-range effort blocked away by Zurrieq defenders. Three minutes from time, a Joe Falzon's shot direct from the corner kick slipped Celeste's grip but was saved on the line by the same goalkeeper. To the surprise of everyone, assistent referee Mintoff, who was covered by a multitude of players and surely not in the best position to take such crucial decision, judged that the ball crossed the line. Harsh protests followed but the goal was allowed. There was time for a Vince Camilleri's freekick that finished just wide. When Apap signalled the end of the match, there was an evident disappointment in the Tigers' clan as a precious win faded right at the end. The next match against newcomers Luqa is another harsh test for our side as this uphill struggle towards salvation continues relentlessly.

LINE-UP: 21 - PAUL CELESTE; 2 - MATTHEW SCICLUNA, 5 - DENNIS BALDACCHINO, 6 - MICHAEL CIAPPARA, 4 - DANIEL GALEA; 10 - CLIVE FORMOSA, 3 - VINCE CAMILLERI, 8 - NOEL TABONE (capt), 7 - MATTHEW AXIAQ (17 - PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO): 9 - ROBERT BUGEJA, 11 - NEVILLE FARRUGIA

RESULTS FOR SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2006

 

VIEW BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS' 1st DIVISION MATCH SCHEDULE

VIEW BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS SQUAD

VIEW IASC 1 DIV RESULTS & STANDINGS

Site Design & Maintenance by Andre' Camenzuli © 2005