Birkirkara completed a third straight league and cup double after beating Mġarr United 2-0 in the final of the Women’s Knock-Out at the Charles Abela Stadium on Tuesday.
First-half goals from Stephania Farrugia and Ann-Marie Said handed the Stripes their 15th Knock-Out success. Both teams started on the front foot. In the early stages, Mġarr United’s Haley Bugeja saw a close-range effort blocked by Janice Xuereb. At the other end, an unmarked Kailey Willis ran towards the Mġarr goal but was flagged offside. As the first half progressed, Birkirkara started to pile up pressure. Their efforts paid off on 18 minutes thanks to Farrugia’s header. This was the 100th goal in 300 appearances for Farrugia. Mġarr responded swiftly. Roxanne Micallef’s shot was parried away by the Birkirkara custodian. The Stripes almost doubled their lead on the half-hour mark but were denied by a goal-line clearance. Nonetheless, the champions were not to be denied as five minutes later they went 2-0 up, Said heading home the second goal from a Farrugia free-kick. Mġarr pressed for a goal to get back into contention when the second half started. Micallef’s effort was blocked by Xuereb who was prominent again when stopping close-range attempts by Bugeja and the same Micallef. At the other end, the Stripes went close to a third goal but Ylenia Carabott’s shot was saved. The Stripes managed to hold off Mġarr’s late efforts to end their season on a top note. At the end of the match, Ludovico Micallef, the Malta FA Senior Vice-President, presented the KO trophy to Farrugia, the Birkirkara captain.