FA Trophy final for Balzan after turning defeat into victory

Simon Farrugia Balzan are the first finalists in this year’s edition of the FA Trophy after defeating neighbours Birkirkara by the odd goal in five. It was an entertaining match which went Balzan’s way in the final ten minutes of the match.

Both teams were desperate to grab the win and a place in Saturday’s final since this competition presents them with the opportunity of silverware and a place in the Europa League come summer. Infact Balzan and Birkirkara failed miserably during this campaign and neither of them managed to place in the top four.

Birkirkara had one of their worst seasons in recent history when they were managed by none other than four coaches namely Paul Zammit, John Arne Riise, Mark Buttigieg Buttigieg.

Balzan made it to the semis after defeating Qormi 5-1, Xewkija Tigers 6-1 and Tarxien Rainbows by three goals to nil. Birkirkara had a more difficult path in reaching this stage defeating Gozitan side Nadur Youngsters 4-0, Hamrun Spartans and Mosta by an identical 2-1 score.

Balzan have come very close in the past seasons to win their first major honour. The nearest they went in theTrophy was a final against Sliema Wanderers in 2016 losing on penalties. On the other hand the Stripes have tasted success in this cup for five times.

In this season’s matches Birkirkara won the first round match by a solitary goal with the return match ending in a goalless draw. and present coach John

Uros Ljubomirac (C) of Balzan sees his effort impeded by the onrushing Eduardo Santos Ferreira (R) of Birkirkara Photo © Domenic Aquilina

Balzan's Ricardo Duarte Correa (L), gets in a tangle with Maurizio Vella (C) and Terence Agius (R) of Birkirkara Photo © Domenic Aquilina