Resilient Sliema keep Stripes at bay

Sliema Wanderers 0Birkirkara 0 The unexpected FA Trophy exit last week added pressure on Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit who knows that the team’s only hope of silverware now rests solely with the Premier League. However, nothing was on display yesterday to suggest that could be a viable option. Birkirkara have won just twice in their last nine games and their showing yesterday revealed some uncomfortable truths about the Stripes who lack the killer instinct to challenge pace-setters Valletta and Hibernians. Against Sliema, Birkirkara failed to sparkle, particularly up front, as a well-oiled Blues defence relied on their fighting qualities and tactical cohesion to stem their opponents’ flair as the game ended goalless. The stalemate, perhaps, pleased Sliema most as they continued to edge closer to a place in the Championship Pool. For Birkirkara, Joseph Zerafa replaced Jhonnattann, ruled out with injury, while Justin Haber made his much-awaited debut in goal. Sliema were buoyed by the return from suspension of Luca Martinelli and Paltemio Barbetti. Coach Alfonso Greco made four changes from the team’s previous outing as Shaun Bajada earned a first-team recall and Ian Zammit was...