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A Tale of Two Halvesby Jonathan Spiteri08/02/2010 This 2-1 win against relegation threatened Msida Saint Joseph was a classic example of how the difference in the ways a game is approached is reflected on the pitch. The boys in yellow tops and red shorts (may I ask where have the usual striped tops gone, we miss them all!) seemed still shell-shocked after the worst display of the season against Sliema, and the first forty five minutes were almost a continuation of the said defeat. Things changed drastically as the second half got under way. Barely three minutes after the restart, our captain led by example as he took full responsibility and fired in a scorching drive. His goal celebration showed all his determination, and the rest of the team followed suit immediately, as in the next foray, a Thomas Paris through ball released man of the match Carl Pulo, who elegantly eluded a defender’s tackle and drove a curling shot in between another defender into the bottom corner, much to the delight of us present at the Hibernians Ground. The players celebrating just in front of us Ultras and the rest of the supporters was the cherry on the cake, and those near the fence were able to see the hunger in all the players’ eyes. 
There was still time for one scare as Emiliano Lattes pounced on a hesitation in our defence and hit the post with a cross-shot, but from then on, our team controlled the game and could have increased the lead had it not been for some erratic finishes and some ill luck. The important thing after a defeat is bagging the three points, and our lads were up to the task. Now though, with the Championship Pool knocking on our doors and with a tough game ahead versus high-flying Qormi, our team will have to get into top gear as soon as possible, as there will no longer be “weaker on paper” opponents, and each encounter will be a do or die issue. First things first though, and that brings us back to the Yellows from across the Mriehel by-pass. Qormi were able to overcome a series of negative results with two wins in a row, rediscovering the conviction in their capabilities which has led them to heights unprecedented in their club’s history. This will be a sort of a dress rehearsal for what promises to be the best Championship Pool since its introduction back in the 1999-2000 season, an unforgettable one for us! Qormi are capable of beating any team, especially now that they have strengthened their squad in the January transfer window. Birkirkara must be up to their best in order to make it two out of two against Qormi this season! Our coach Mr Paul Zammit still has got some injury problems worrying him, and hopes that these are all resolved in the next fortnight. Also, transfer rumours can become a menace to the players’ concentration, but I am sure Mr Zammit will not tolerate any distractions in that sense. It would be important to get the three points, because this would ensure a start to the second phase on level points with Valletta, who are odds on to cruise to victory against basement side Dingli. Thus, this game is of ultimate importance, and the support of each and every one of you is a must! COME ON YELLOWS!! |