Gibraltar unlucky not to get a result against Estonia

For the second time in just four days Gibraltar suffered the narrowest of defeats losing 1-0 against Estonia at the Victoria stadium.
Facing a team that last beat them 7-0 this was another big test for Julio Ribas' side intent in showing the world, and in particular it’s fans that they no longer were ready to accept being seen as the team that gets beaten by heavy goal margins.
Gibraltar proved just that on the field. In a match where things could have been so different had the tackle on Tjay DeBarr in the first minutes, ended in a red card on the Estonia keeper or Liam Walker’s freekick had gone in instead of hitting the crossbar. It was a second half free kick to Estonia that provided them with the goal.
Gibraltar not only kept Estonia scoreless in the first half but they also had their chances to score, as did Estonia.
This was a very different side to that which Estonia had encountered in Faro just two years ago. Under Ribas Gibraltar had the confidence to take the game to their opponents now.
A confident display saw them come onto the field in the second half and nearly see the ball go in. A cross across goal by Tjay De Barr was put out to corner with the ball fractionally missing the goal.
Joseph Chipolina’s injury forced charges which saw Gibraltar concede minutes after as they restructured.
However, Gibraltar pulled out all the stops and putting two forwards with Reece and Priestley Gibraltar had greater fire power and physicality pressing upfront and hassling the for the ball forward.
Gibraltar playing Tjay further back and with Jamie Coombes in pressed to equalize.
A full capacity stadium for a moment thought that Gibraltar had equalised but the goal was ruled out for a supposed offside by Reece.
Gibraltar was unable to find that goal but once again Riba's players left the field to the applause of the crowd.
A crowd which went away feeling that they had been denied a draw. ‘The win will come,’ said some supporters as they left. Others adding ‘they played really well and deserved more.’
A narrow defeat not exactly what they deserved, but leaving positive signals that Gibraltar is developing into a tough opposition to beat, especially in its home ground.
The young players such as Tjay De Barr once again stamping their mark on the international stage.