May 07 2006 13:49

IASC KNOCK-OUT SEMI FINAL

BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS vs SENGLEA YOUNGSTERS 1 - 0

A solitary goal scored after 13 minutes by Noel Tabone gave Birzebbugia Tigers a precious win over Senglea Youngsters in the IASC knock-out semi-final. The dream of winning silverware can now become reality next Sunday when for the second time in their six year participation in IASC, the Tigers will play in the knock-out final.

The return of D.Baldacchino, N.Farrugia, N.Tabone and V.Camilleri made up for the absence of M.Ciappara, R.Celeste and D.Galea in a well-balanced formation which ousted the more experienced Senglea side. The initial period was entirely in Tigers' favour as Camilleri through a direct freekick and Bugeja with a right-footed shot from outside the area went close to open the score. In the 13th minute the Tigers took the lead when a corner kick by Migneco was cleared shortly and Noel Tabone with a spectacular overhead kick beat Attard completely. Senglea took control of the midfield and tried to attack in their attempt to equalize but the Tigers' back four aided by goalie Celeste were always on the alert and our opponents rarely threatened to score. On the other end of the pitch, N.Farrugia rose to a cross from the left, but his header hit the bar with Attard motionless.

The second period saw Senglea throw caution to the wind but the Tigers' resolute defence never conceded an inch and was never really intimidated. The Tigers operated with swift counterattacks, and first Farrugia went close with a right-footed effort that went wide and soon afterwards, Caruana tested Attard with a shot from outside the penalty area that finished in the keeper's hands. Senglea's only shot of the game came on 17 minutes when Dingli tried his luck but his shot went wide. A golden opportunity for the Tigers to widen the gap fell in Robert Bugeja's feet but his individual counterattack was not capitalized to the maximum as he failed to conclude towards Senglea's goal. Luck was not on Neville Farrugia's side as his shot from inside the penalty area rolled against the post and as the Tigers' defence continued to hold on strongly, never yielding other opportunities to the sengleans, in the dying minutes Bugeja was again close as he anticipated the onrushing Attard but his shot went wide. Soon afterwards referee Pisani blew the final whistle and the Tigers were on their way to the knock-out final against first division rivals Luqa Juniors.

LINE-UP: 1. PAUL CELESTE; 2. JAMES PEPLOW, 4. CLIVE FORMOSA (capt), 5. DENNIS BALDACCHINO, 3. MARK MIGNECO; 7. MATTHEW AXIAQ, 6. NOEL TABONE, 8. VINCE CAMILLERI (18, DENIS CARUANA), 11. JEFFREY FENECH; 9. ROBERT BUGEJA (18. PAUL CARABOTT DAMATO), 10. NEVILLE FARRUGIA

 

VIEW KNOCK-OUT FIXTURES AND RESULTS

VIEW BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS' 1st DIVISION MATCH SCHEDULE

VIEW BIRZEBBUGIA TIGERS SQUAD

 

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