by Mgarr United and Swieqi United will be closing off their calendar year at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30. Ryan Vella & Dorianne Theuma underlined the importance of the fixture as the two are forced to settle for an inferior stage, but prepared to fight tooth and nail for their tally in the table.
First Points Dropped Against A Confident Victory
Mgarr United and Swieqi United will be closing the calendar year against each other, much as they started this league season. The Owls remain the only team to have beaten the Greens this season in any match, with their win coming in the Super Cup final. Mgarr United walk into this one having dropped two points against Hibernians in a goalless draw last week, in an otherwise perfect campaign, and still remain unbeaten.
Ryan Vella weighed in on the draw against Hibernians, “I believe that it was a game of two halves. We were the better team in the first half and created plenty of chances where we should have scored. I think that some fatigue showed in the second-half, after an intense week following the Jubilee Cup final and we had a couple of players missing as well. Certain decisions didn’t go our way either, which would have changed the dynamics of the game.”
Meanwhile, Dorianne Theuma’s side had a strong start against Valletta last week to cruise to a strong victory. The team showed no signs of discontinuity amid a heavily changed line-up, with several debutants, returning faces gaining minutes, and a few enjoying a more prominent role in the match.
Questioned whether the match made her decisions for selections harder going forward, Dorianne Theuma showed no hesitation in backing her squad’s attitude, “For me, selection is always difficult because everyone trains hard and deserves to be part of the team. Last week we were missing some important players due to suspensions and injuries, and I was very pleased with how the team responded. The players who came in performed well, showed good football, and proved that we can rely on the whole squad.”
A Change To A More Restricted Venue For One Of The Most Important Clashes
Their clashes have been highly anticipated following the two teams’ intertwined paths in the past seasons, and a rivalry which continued to blossom this year. Having been originally set to be played in the Victor Tedesco Stadium, the match has been shifted to the much restricted Charles Abela Stadium, due to the priority given to the YoHealth Malta Premier League.
Discussions among the Premier League teams have grown about the need for their own pitches for that league to grow. There are no such discussions on the women’s front. However, until then, the current available pitches continue to be confined and the women’s league continues to play second fiddle.
The two coaches were probed about their thoughts on the impact of the change, and whether they feel one of them gains an advantage in the new pitch.
Ryan Vella replied, “I think both us and Swieqi are very similar as teams. We have similar profiles as players all around the pitch. So, I do not believe the change in venue will be an advantage to either of the teams.”
Meanwhile, Dorianne Theuma urged the need for high-level discussions to protect the game from such situations and give it room to grow, “It’s a pity that such an important game will be played at Charles Abela. Once again, it shows that the women’s game is still not being taken seriously, and there is clearly no concrete plan in place to improve this movement.”
As to the gaining of an advantage, she replied, “The change in venue will likely make the game more physical, but the players will adjust and we will be ready to adapt to the conditions.”
The Jubilee Cup semi-final between the two could only be settled by penalties, with Mgarr United winning the previous league encounter by coming back from a goal down, while they blazed a brilliant opening in the first match of the league season against the Owls.
Swieqi United still have the victory in the Super Cup final to emulate. Given that the two have found goals against each other, the coaches were questioned whether this match could be more won in the defensive discipline and physicality shown on the pitch.
Ryan Vella was hesitant to call it, underpinning the balance between the two, “Every game against Swieqi is and will be tough. The teams are very well balanced and little details can alter where the result will go on the day. Our job is to try to focus on playing our way while minimising Swieqi’s threats in the best possible way.”
However, potentially allowing them to extend their lead at the top to nine points at the start of the third round, there was no deviating from the importance of the points, “It’s an important game as it can change the dynamic of the league quite significantly before the Christmas break. So we’ll need to be prepared in all aspects, especially mentally, to control the pressures of the game and make sure to perform in the best possible way.”
Dorianne Theuma’s side will on their end be looking to half the gap to just three points. Like her counterpart, there was no arguing the balance of the match, “It will be a very demanding match, both physically and tactically. Mgarr have shown consistency all season and that doesn’t happen by chance. We respect them, but we also know our qualities. If we manage the key moments well, stay disciplined defensively, and make the right decisions, we can take another important step at this stage of the season.”
The coaches have said their words and have prepared the plan. Tonight will be all about who puts that plan best into action. The match will be played under the floodlights at the Charles Abela Stadium, with kick-off set at 20:30.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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