Time to Move On
by Jonathan Spiteri
08/04/2010
In football you win some and you lose some, and probably that’s why we love this sport. After losing 1-0 in the crunch league encounter, Valletta obtained a quick revenge as they managed to get through to the F.A. Trophy Semi-Finals at Birkirkara’s expense. In the end no one can argue about the fact that the citizens deservedly emerged victoriously, even if an early goal from an offside position surely helped their cause. We are all aware of the qualities they possess, and having to overturn a 2-goal deficit is a rather different story than defending a 1-goal advantage.
The effort was there for everyone to be seen though, and, while other teams might have wished the game to end by the half time whistle in order to avoid an embarrassing final score line, the Stripes went into the second half giving all they had to give in their quest to force extra time. The sending off of Gilbert Agius seemed to throw a life line, and our team managed to pull one back, but Valletta always seemed dangerous on the counter attack and, following a couple of scares that surely sent shivers down their supporters’ spines, they managed to seal the issue with a third goal.
To face Valletta twice in a week is no joke, and John Borg (il-Crusher) was happy to share his views with us: "Overall I think the team played well, especially in the league match, in which match we were tactically perfect, well composed and showed tons and tons of character and determination. It seemed our boys had a point to prove, as did the coach and the rest of the clan and prove it we did! In the Trophy match, I think the issue of the blatantly offside 1st goal destroyed our tactical plan as our boys were not confident with the Assistant referee’s performance, especially when the flag stayed down even though three Valletta players were clearly offside. This decision clearly meant that playing a tight offside trap was too risky. I think that this goal, after only six minutes not only destroyed our plans, but bolstered Valletta who evidently gained confidence from then on. We did manage to claw our way back in the second half, though albeit creating some good chances and piling on the pressure after our goal, Valletta managed to sneak into our backdoor just at the right moment." Mr Borg than added: "The importance of thinking ahead to the last league matches somehow overshadowed our performance on the day. One must look at the bigger picture, even though knocking out our main rivals would have been an awesome prospect none the less!"
It was great to see large part of Birkirkara supporters applauding the players, which were not only referring to this particular match, but to the great season the team has had so far. A group of around 50 persons waited outside the stadium to salute the players and give them a morale lifting boost ahead of the final stage of the league campaign, which still sees the team from Valley Road leading proceedings by 4 points. Still, being knocked out of the F.A. Trophy at this stage could have some kind of effect on our players. We asked Mr Borg what he thinks about this: "I don’t think it will have an adverse effect on the team. Our players are fully focused on the task ahead of them and I believe that just like they have overcome numerous obstacles thus far, they will see this though till the end. Paul Zammit and his team have done a great job in motivating this team and even though many players have not played for such high stakes like winning the championship, they, together with the more experienced players have gelled very well as a unit and are battling it out with the discipline and resilience of hardened veterans."
John Borg also thinks that the team needs all the necessary support from its followers in order to achieve something which was unthinkable of in the early stages of the season. He felt necessary though, to mention our group as he feels BU97 are the main culprits behind Birkirkara’s support: "I cannot but praise the BU97 group for the never ending support they have given to the team. This group has grown from strength to strength and finally the few sceptics that feared the word "Ultras" have grown to appreciate the hard work these boys put in, week in, week out. I have always been an ardent follower of this group, though I didn’t really have much choice did I?!! I have had my fair share of arguments whilst discussing this group in the past, but all of that has been resolved and all sections of the supporters groups are working hand in hand and that is of utmost importance. Now that the group is getting bigger by the day, I just appeal to the moderate supporters to take their lead and join the chorus when the team needs your support most. I was really moved when I saw a group of about 40 Ultras stay on behind after our Trophy defeat, simply to applaud each and every player before boarding the bus. That was a real show of support and faith that I’m sure the players appreciated immensely."
It is now time to focus on what we can achieve, rather on what we could have achieved. While I personally think that we have already over achieved this season, I believe that, give our current position, one would be insane not to try and win the league. Apparently many Karkarizi are believing as well, and this is confirmed by the recent surge in attendances and enthusiasm around the team. Still Mr Borg is preaching our supporters to be cautiously optimistic: "All I ask is that we Karkarizi stay focused on what lies ahead. Four crucial games, each and every one a final in itself. We need to put our vocal strength behind the team for the whole 90 minutes plus. Just ask any player and one can understand the enormous boost our players get when we are all on song and at full vocal strength." He went on: "So come on all of you, its time we spend most of the game on our feet, stomping and cheering and showing out full blooded support. I always believe that a true supporter goes home as tired and exhausted as if having played the game him/herself! Just keep that in mind and I hope we all have a truly exhausting time during these last matches that will hopefully lead us to GLORY!"
We never had any doubt of Mr Borg’s love towards Birkirkara FC, and these appeals could not have come from a better person. All the team needs now is our support. We must leave other issues to the people concerned. We have a bright coach who knows how to keep the players disciplined and motivated, and committee members who are working their socks off at the moment in order to give us something to cheer about come May! So let us believe in everyone involved, as together we can do it!
COME ON YELLOWS!!
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