by The Assikura Women’s League weekend will be brought to a close as leaders Mgarr United face fourth-placed Birkirkara at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00. Ryan Vella discussed his view on the elements he believes have given his team the best record in the league this year, while Charlene Zammit weighed in on transfers & long-term development in view of recent performances.
The Battle For Consistent Growth
The final match of the weekend will pit the league leaders, Mgarr United, against an on-the-rise fourth-placed Birkirkara.
Mgarr United head into it still unbeaten in the league this season, with their latest encounter a 6 – 1 victory against San Gwann. Ryan Vella was probed for his thoughts on whether he agrees with Julian Camilleri’s statement on San Gwann’s ability to limit the league leaders to two goals in the opening stint, or whether he believed it had more to do with his own team’s sharp-shooting in front of goal in the second half.
Ryan Vella replied, “It has never been easy against San Gwann, especially until we find the first goal. In the first half we played well, but we were a bit careless with in the final phase. We improved in the second half on this matter and in the end scored some really good goals, bringing home the win.”
The Greens are enjoying an unbeaten run which is being reflected in the strongest goal difference. Ryan Vella discussed his view on the most crucial ingredients for the current campaign, “For us the most important is that we do our job really well without the ball, defensively and in the pressing phase. After that, we know that with the right structure and giving players certain kind of freedom within our formation, we have enough quality with the ball to create chances and score against everyone.”
On the flip side, Birkirkara could not quite replicate the goalscoring form they showed against Hibernians in their last encounter against Swieqi United, to whom they lost by 2 – 0.
Charlene Zammit gave her view of the match, “We created a lot of good moments in transition and got into positions where we should be scoring more. Naturally there’s frustration not to get something from the game, but I’m very pleased with the work rate and togetherness of the team. There’s clear progress, and that’s something we can build on.”
The match also showcased debutant Kleydiana Monteiro Maria Borges who added to the arsenal in attack, while striker Patricia Lamanna departed the club. Given Izabella Stringer’s mid-week poker in the Youth League, Charlene Zammit was questioned on the intentions of the swap in players, in view of the balance and development of the squad.
“Kleydiana has been a very good addition to the squad, bringing positivity, versatility and experience, which is something we really need. At the same time, Izzy is a very promising young player who is growing both physically and tactically. Her four goals against Swieqi in the Youth League speak for themselves. I’m very pleased with the way she’s responding to the competition in the senior team, which can only help her to continue improving.”
An Intriguing Encounter
It has been a weekend full of direct confrontations at a stage of the season where the time to shine is running out. Mgarr United are going into the match seeking to continue their form, further invigorated by yesterday’s draw between Swieqi United & Hibernians.
Though unbeaten, Ryan Vella is relishing the challenge brought by Birkirkara as the side ramps up toward a new level since the change in leadership, “Charlene (Zammit) did an amazing job so far. Birkirkara changed their style and formation while they are much more disciplined, and their structure will be difficult to break down. We need to prepare in the best way possible and make sure that we perform at our very best next Saturday so that we can achieve another important three points.”
Asked about the challenge ahead and the possibility of a victory against Mgarr United, Charlene Zammit credited the league leaders while rallying her team to continue putting their best foot forward, “We always prepare to give our utmost against every team. Mgarr are a very strong and resilient team, so we know it will be a tough challenge. At the same time, every match is an opportunity to test ourselves. Our aim is to stay grounded and give everything on the pitch, as that’s how we continue to grow as a team.”
The two teams will conclude the Assikura Women’s League weekend with kick-off set at 18:00 at the Charles Abela Stadium.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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