by The Assikura Women’s League returns as from tomorrow with two back-to-back double headers following a three-week international break. Here is a refresher of all that has happened so far and what you have to look forward to for the next couple of weeks.
The First Four
Five out of the eight teams have played all their first four fixtures. Mgarr United and Hibernians take the first two places with ten points each after having only dropped points against each other in a 3-3 stalemate. The Greens currently hold the top spot with a goal difference of twelve.
The other teams to have played their first four matches are Valletta, Lija Athletic and San Gwann. Valletta made it two wins out of four by downing Lija Athletic and Mtarfa. Lija Athletic and San Gwann grabbed a single point by drawing out their direct confrontation. However, Lija Athletic currently hold a better goal difference than San Gwann.
Swieqi United and Mtarfa have each played three matches as both are yet to play a match against the defending champions Birkirkara. Swieqi United dropped their first three points in a defeat to Hibernians just before the international break, after having won their opening two matches against Mtarfa and San Gwann. Meanwhile, Mtarfa are still yet to register a point following their opening three matches.
Birkirkara have only played two matches, against Lija Athletic and San Gwann, which they won convincingly to maximise their points tally at six points out of six available played. As things stand, winning both matches on hand against Mtarfa and Swieqi United, would see them top the league table with twelve points. Whether they are able to do this remains to be seen, but if successful they would be trailed by Mgarr United and Hibernians.
Thus far, it is safe to say that the league has lived up to its billing and the teams’ strengthening over the summer has given rise to increased competitivity across the table. Despite this, football fans and teams alike know all too well that a league season is long and many things play a role in the ultimate outcome.
Considering this, it is worth noting that there are a number of prominent players who are yet to feature in the league, while others will have to sit out the next few matches having picked up injuries since the beginning of the season. Similarly, following a successful international break at youth level, there could be a few faces who could become more of a fixture in the senior team if they can maintain the consistency.
What’s Next?
The story continues to unfold this weekend. Hibernians and Birkirkara will open proceedings on Friday at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium, in what is expected to be another major clash between the two historical titans in the women’s game in Malta. Their encounter will be followed by Valletta who host Swieqi United at 20:30 at the same location.
Saturday will set the stage for another important double-header at Dingli Ground. San Gwann and Mtarfa meet for the first time this season at 15:00. In the past, the fixture was often played to the backdrop of one of the rowdiest atmospheres in the league and make no mistake the two will want nothing more than to get their first three points on the board.
That fixture will be followed by Mgarr United and Lija Athletic who kick-off at 17:30. The Greens will bid to make it five games unbeaten, while hoping that Hibernians and Birkirkara drop points against each other. However, newcomers Lija Athletic have been tricky customers for both Hibernians and Valletta and won’t be easily dismissed. They too will be eyeing an increase in their points tally.
The Following Week
The league returns to its traditional setting adopted for this year next week for Matchday 6. Birkirkara will open against Valletta at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday 19th October at 20:15. Those in the B’Kara camp will hope to secure an additional three points, however ex-Raiders Lija players will want nothing more than to at least relive last year’s feat of drawing against the defending champions.
Friday 20th will pit Mtarfa against Lija Athletic at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30. That encounter is another one to keep an eye for as things continue to unfold across the league table.
Mgarr Ground will play host to another double header on Saturday 21st, starting with San Gwann who will welcome Hibernians at 15:00. That match will be followed by another thrilling clash between Swieqi United and Mgarr United, starting at 17:30.
The two weeks will give way to another international break and thus see the international team players return to their respective nations.
However, until then, focus is set firmly on this upcoming weekend. Stay tuned for the match previews which will continue to be published on matchdays, providing you with the latest comments from the coaches and the details going into each match.
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