by Valletta secured three points with a 1 – 0 win against Mtarfa, courtesy of an own goal. The Citizens created plenty against a sharpened Mtarfa side who on the night kept much out, but will also rue their own opportunities being denied by Valletta.
Team Selections
Mtarfa’s captain Dorienne Grech made a return in goal, protected by a back four in Claire Versteegh, Rebecca Zammit, Angele Fenech and Maria Abdilla. Shania Spiteri protected the defence, with Kerrie Ciappara and Eliza Csik operating further forward. Paula Ciappara led the attack, with Laura Echeverri Tobon and Oumyama Jelili in support.
There was a change between the posts for Valletta too, with Kayleigh Vella Barberi trusted between the posts. Lisa Vella started in a back-three alongside Eunice Micallef and captain Anna Aloisio. French duo Lilou Lucas and Lucie Lucas held the midfield, while Laura Muscat and Sarah Fenech started on the wings. Oriane Le Gouez supported Rodianne Zerafa and Sara Bonello Ghio in attack.
How It Unfolded
Valletta had an early sight of goal just seconds into the match as Laura Muscat fought off a challenge on the wing before feeding Rodianne Zerafa who was positioned in the box. The forward lost her marker on the turn to open space for the shot, but fired into the side netting from the tight angle.
Although Valletta sought to control possession, Mtarfa two major opportunities in quick succession as the tenth minute rolled on. Eliza Csik was a forward driver, taking on three players to dive into the box. Kayleigh Vella Barberi made the initial save, before Anna Aloisio cleared the rebound for a corner off the line.
However, Mtarfa came close once more from the corner. Rebecca Zammit delivered deep into the box, with Eliza Csik playing the ball across the face of goal. Kerrie Ciappara fired from the six-yard box with venom but the ball was blocked on the line, with Oriane Le Gouez clearing the danger for another corner. Eunice Micallef got her head on the delivery before Valletta finally cleared their lines with distance.
The Citizens returned fire with four corner opportunities for themselves, but Mtarfa also managed to clear the danger. Oriane Le Gouez came closest after the 20th minute mark, with a towering header that fizzed off the far post.
Jean Lopes was animated on the touchline, pushing his side to keep a high line and take control of the match. Rodianne Zerafa led the attacks, firing at Dorienne Grech, who kept out the shot, before Angele Fenech dealt with a delivery by Laura Muscat.
The Blues earned another opportunity to put the ball up into Valletta’s box from a free-kick. Rebecca Zammit picked out Paula Ciappara, who chested it down but Kayleigh Vella Barberi collected before sending out the team in the other direction.
The defining moment of the match arrived in the 27th minute, as Oriane Le Gouez delivered a cross into the box, which Maria Abdilla fired into the right corner of the net beating her own goalkeeper.
Despite this, the Blues attempted a quick response with a counter-attack through Paula Ciappara. However, she attempted one too many dribble instead of pursuing Eliza Csik’s support, with Valletta’s defence reading play and going back out on the hunt for goals.
The Citizens attempted to create more opportunities, with crosses into the box but little numbers in support. Oriane Le Gouez attempted a dink to release Rodianne Zerafa behind, but Rebecca Zammit intercepted well, while Anna Aloisio was animated in trying to motivate the side for more.
Mtarfa’s coaches made a swap at the break, bringing on Jasmine Camilleri instead of Oumayma Jelili on the right wing. The youngster was bright right from the off, taking possession in midfield and driving down the line. However, Lisa Vella closed the door.
Half-chances ensued for either team, with Kayleigh Vella Barberi reading Mtarfa’s attempt to release Paula Ciappara behind, before Lucie Lilou fired a looping effort from distance which Dorienne Grech kept out.
Valletta piled efforts as the chance wore on, with set-piece numbers on the rise. Eunice Micallef was wide with a finish from a corner delivery, while the Valletta’s fury increased as decisions went against them, with the officials appearing reluctant to get too involved.
Jean Lopes made a triple switch in the 57th minute, bringing on Hannah Grima in defence instead of Lisa Vella, while Sara Bonello Ghio gave way to Leona Carabott in attack. Monique Sultana slotted into midfield, while Sarah Fenech’s place on the wing was taken by Oriane Le Gouez.
Paula Ciappara was still lively in trying to create some trouble for Valletta at the back, making another positive run. However, Eunice Micallef recovered well. On their part, Valletta’s squad transition was evident as the side attempted to string good possession, but not yet having the understanding between them.
Still, the Citizens kept forcing the issue, with Lilou Lucas making a dart into the box, dribbling past two markers, but finding Jasmine Camilleri ready to stick out a foot to dispossess. The youngster was on the money again on Oriane Le Gouez, with Mtarfa clinging on.
Valletta had an opportunity to strike from distance from a free-kick after Rebecca Zammit handled Lucie Lucas, with Matthias Buttigieg still not too keen on putting his hands in his pocket to reach for a card. Hannah Grima fired with pace but wayward from the mark.
Mtarfa’s contingent made another change bringing on Jade Azzopardi on the left wing, while Paula Ciappara transitioned into defence as Angele Fenech gave way. Laura Echeverri Tobon led the line, before being substituted by Emily Farrugia late on, while Shania Spiteri also gave way to Katya Camilleri in the final moments of the match.
More chances ensued for Valletta, with Monique Sultana making her appearance pay off with further forward drives. She hung a ball up for Leona Carabott, whose first time strike was clean but central for Dorienne Grech to save. The Mtarfa goalkeeper was called to action by Rodianne Zerafa, who struck a left-boot but the ball was palmed away at full stretch by Dorienne Grech.
Eliza Csik responded with a strike at the other end, but likewise Kayleigh Vella Barberi dove to her left to make the save and keep her side in the lead.
Jean Lopes made a final swap, bringing on Sabrin Blihi and Ylenia Grech, with Lilou Lucas and Laura Muscat making way. Valletta continued throwing players forward, with spaces opening up. Ylenia Grech was quickly into the fold, but struggling to find support in the centre of attack as she looked for the side to break for a late second goal.
The Citizens’ Rodianne Zerafa forced another save from Dorienne Grech in the final moments, before Rebecca Zammit made a block as Sabrin Blihi attempted her luck from distance.
Final Score: Mtarfa 0 – 1 Valletta
Standings & Next Matches
Valletta secure the three points by the narrowest of margins, taking their tally to seventeen points. The team will next face leaders San Gwann on Thursday 30th at the Centenary Stadium (20:15). Meanwhile, Mtarfa will look to replicate their forward drive against Lija Athletic on Friday 31st at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30.
Tonight presents another clash in the Assikura Women’s League as Lija Athletic take on San Gwann at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30.
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