Birkirkara Go Top With Victory Over Hibernians

The Stripes triumphed over Hibernians by 3-0 to take themselves top of the table for the first time this season. Marta Grosso broke the deadlock, before Veronique Mifsud converted from the spot. Gabriella Zahra came on from the bench to complete the scoring.

Team Selection

Birkirkara’s Janice Xuereb started between the sticks, protected by a back-four of Alishia Sultana, captain Stephania Farrugia, Valentina Rapa and Ann-Marie Said. Caitlin Rogers protected the defence, behind Veronique Mifsud and Marta Grosso. Raina Giusti and Arianna Del Moral flanked Sara Saliba in attack.

Hibernians’ Zeeyana Jivraj faced Birkirkara for the first time, protected by an unchanged back line of Chloe Ellul, Natalee Geren, Amy Busuttil and Yolande Attard. Kayleigh Chetcuti and Nicole Sciberras protected the defence, while captain Martina Borg occupied the number ten role. Sarah Urpani and Alexis Espitia provided the width to Leah Ayres in attack.

Stripes Find Opening

It was Hibernians who first threatened from a corner kick, but Stephania Farrugia headed away Kayleigh Chetcuti’s delivery. Birkirkara’s Alishia Sultana surged forward at the other end, but her cross was snatched by Zeeyana Jivraj. Janice Xuereb was also quickly off her line to intercept a diagonal ball headed toward Sarah Urpani.

Hibernians then appeared to take the attacking initiative, with the Stripes appearing the more tense of the two to get things truly clicking well. Natalee Geren made up ground before playing into Martina Borg, who was stationed right on the Birkirkara defensive line. She tried to square it to Alexis Espitia, but was quickly forced wide by Stephania Farrugia before Valentina Rapa cleared.

However, having received pressure Birkirkara responded and the Paolites undid their own defensive work with a poor clearance which Arianna Del Moral pounced on. She immediately released Marta Grosso who fired across into the left corner for the opener, just over the quarter hour mark, despite the goalkeeper getting something on it.

Hibs’ Search For Equaliser Undone By Penalty

Hibernians’ Martina Borg urged her team toward the equaliser with the side winning two corners shortly after. However, Janice Xuereb saved Sarah Urpani’s attempt, while Nicole Sciberras got underneath a volley attempt. In open play, Alexis Espitia was causing all sorts of trouble for Ann-Marie Said and Valentina Rapa, prompting Jose’ Borg to switch his centre-backs.

Birkirkara upped the attacking intensity in search of a second. Raina Giusti crossed a first-time ball into Arianna Del Moral whose attempt flew wide. Alishia Sultana had a cross parried into the crossbar.

Hibernians attempted to counter-attack with Alexis Espitia surging forward. However, she could not get the weighting correct toward Martina Borg. At the other end, Birkirkara had another counter-attack as Veronique Mifsud attempted to release Sara Saliba, but her touch let in Zeeyana Jivraj who collected.

The Stripes won themselves a corner in injury time, which led to a penalty for ball-handling in the box. Veronique Mifsud stepped up and finished into the bottom right side of the net, sending the Birkirkara faithful happy into the break.

Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 2 – 0 Hibernians

Birkirkara Extend Lead

The Stripes started in search of extending their lead through Sara Saliba. Despite intially getting the better of Natalee Geren, the American kept at it and got the block on the shot despite the young striker twisting to make space for it.

Things continued to heat up between Alexis Espitia and Ann-Marie Said with the two going at each other. While there were plenty of tussles going on, offensive quality in the final third was either poor or effectively read by the two defences.

Jose’ Borg started to tweak his team just after the hour mark, bringing on Gabriella Zahra in replacement of Raina Giusti. Zahra slotted in the centre of midfield, while Marta Grosso moved into the left wing.

Hibernians had a free-kick opportunity which Chloe Ellul delivered, but it was headed out by Stephania Farrugia, who kept up the high level to keep the Paolites out. The captain launched the Stripes into an attack by finding Arianna Del Moral who surged past her marker. However, her attempted cross to find Sara Saliba was intercepted by Amy Busuttil, before Zeeyana Jivraj collected.

Jose’ Borg shored up his defence by bringing on Charlene Zammit instead of Sara Saliba. Zammit slotted beside Stephania Farrugia, causing a shift in positions with Valentina Rapa moving into right-back, Alishia Sultana up the right wing, while Arianna Del Moral led the attack.

Keith Gouder responded shortly after by bringing on Nyorah Celeste instead of Leah Ayres. The youngster occupied the right forward role, pushing Alexis Espitia into the centre of attack.

Hibernians’ captain Martina Borg attempted to create something but was often crowded out by Birkirkara’s midfield. Likewise Alexis Espitia pressed high but Birkirkara’s defence were never too far away, denying her space to strike.

The Stripes closed off the match for good in the 77th minute, as Arianna Del Moral launched a ball toward Marta Grosso out wide. The Italian crossed from the byline, finding Gabriella Zahra who placed into the net from close range.

Jose’ Borg followed up the goal with more changes, giving an early rest to Veronique Mifsud who was directly replaced by Amelia Vassallo. Meanwhile, Caitlin Rogers gave way to Stella Francalanza who took the left wing role, while Gabriella Zahra moved into the holding midfield role instead of Rogers. Marta Grosso moved back into the centre of midfield.

Hibernians continued searching for a goal back. Natalee Geren delivered a deep free-kick but Janice Xuereb commanded the box to relieve pressure, before Kayleigh Chetcuti attempted to find Martina Borg with a curled ball which was overcooked. Hibernians’ Chloe Ellul denied the Stripes a clear chance at the other end by making an excellent tackle on Stella Francalanza to deny her a chance to strike on goal on the counter.

Final Score: Birkirkara 3 – 0 Hibernians

Standings & Next Matches

The victory takes Birkirkara top of the table on 28 points, a point ahead of Swieqi United, who won their match against Valletta later in the day. However, Birkirkara have a game in hand which they play this Tuesday against Mtarfa (Centenary Stadium, 20:15).

Hibernians remain on 26 points, on par with Mgarr United, with the two occupying third and fourth. The Paolites return to action in the new year, against San Gwann, whom they meet on Saturday 6th January at 14:00 (Mgarr Ground).

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