by Hibernians and Birkirkara could not be separated at the end of the ninety, with the two ending the thrilling encounter in a 1-1 draw. Alexis Espitia broke the deadlock in the second half. Elizabeth Harrington became the busier of the two goalkeepers delivering spectacular saves, but the Paolites were unable to fend off the challenge from the Stripes, with Gabriella Zahra delivering the equaliser late on.
Team Selections
Hibernians’ Elizabeth Harrington was trusted in goal, behind an unchanged defensive trio consisting of Amber Galea, Natalee Geren and Jessica Dimech. Chloe Ellul and Ileana Farrugia operated as wing-backs, with captain Martina Borg returning to the starting eleven in the company of Nicole Sciberras and Kayleigh Chetcuti at the centre of the pitch. Joelma Alves Gabriel supported Alexis Espitia in attack.
Birkirkara’s Maya Cachia remained in goal. Calista Schechinger started alongside Valentina Rapa, replacing the suspended Charlene Zammit. Lara May Azzopardi and Mariah Cardona started as the full-backs. There were no changes in midfield, with Gabriella Zahra continuing to operate with Yuna Hazekawa and Luana Vitoria Cabral. Erica Bispo led the attack, flanked by Raina Giusti and captain Alishia Cassar.
How It Unfolded
Hibernians pressed high early on, looking to capitalise on the unfamiliarity and inexperience within the Birkirkara defensive unit. However, the Stripes fended off danger from an early corner, while Valentina Rapa was looking to lead the defensive line into avoiding an early blunders. Still, the Paolites’ Alexis Espitia managed to run free inside the first ten minutes, spelling warning signs, only to overrun the opportunity.
However, Birkirkara reacted through Alishia Cassar, who shrugged the challenge in midfield, before attempting to release Luana Vitoria Cabral. The Brazilian was impeded, but referee Igor Kankaras chose to let play go on. Erica Bispo picked up the scraps, firing the shot at Elizabeth Harrington who closed the angle to make the save.
The opportunity balanced the passage of play, heightening tensions as the first quarter of an hour elapsed. A cacophony of words streamed from both coaches, while players attempted to work things out on the pitch as well. Referee Igor Kankaras was keen on laying down the law, with both teams attempting to chew his ear off amid decisions.
Hibernians had another sight of goal in the 20th minute, with Chloe Ellul launching a direct ball for Joelma Alves Gabriel. However, Maya Cachia collected the half-volleyed effort.
Both teams attempted to make something of corner and set-piece deliveries but the defenses did their job. The Paolites looked like they were onto something with a pacey break on the half-hour mark. Joelma Alves Gabriel pushed forward, but a slight delay in passing to Alexis Espitia closed the direct opportunity. Still Martina Borg supported the attack, only for Raina Giusti to track back and close down the resulting attempt to loop in Chloe Ellul.
The Stripes restored the balance with a break of their own, as Raina Giusti switched play to Alishia Cassar, who roped in Luana Vitoria Cabral and Gabriella Zahra. Raina Giusti tried the resulting effort from distance, but Elizabeth Harrington shuffled well to get behind it.
Set-piece opportunities ensued for both sides, with Luana Vitoria Cabral the first (but definitely not the last) to land in the book following a challenge on fellow Brazilian Joelma Alves Gabriel. However, neither side managed to convert before the break.
Half-Time Score: Hibernians 0 – 0 Birkirkara
Both coaches did not dare tamper too much with their deployed selection, with the second half kicking off in the same hard-fought manner.
However, Hibernians managed to strike gold just before the hour mark through club top scorer, Alexis Espitia. The American arrived into the box to convert the cut-back from Ileana Farrugia, rifling the effort into the roof of the net.
Birkirkara sought a quick response, with goalkeeper Elizabeth Harrington becoming much busier within a few minutes. Luana Vitoria Cabral tested her with a drilled effort, which the goalkeeper palmed for a corner.
The Hibernians goalkeeper was called into action again just a few minutes later as the Stripes fashioned another opportunity. Valentina Rapa passed it forward into Gabriella Zahra, who played the combination with Luana Vitoria Cabral to get the team into the box. The final cut-back to Yuna Hazekawa resulted in the Japanese shifting it for the space for a shot, with Elizabeth Harrington delivering another spectacular diving save to deny her.
The Paolites’ saw off the threats from both corners against deep deliveries, before Birkirkara pleaded with the officials for a penalty a few minutes later. However, Igor Kankaras was having none of it, instead brandishing a yellow to Erica Bispo for simulation.
Both coaches freshened up the teams as the final minutes beckoned. Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino changed his wing-backs, with Sarah Vella Barberi and Yolande Attard replacing Ileana Farrugia and Chloe Ellul. Leah Ayres also took to the pitch instead of Alexis Espitia, while Amy Busuttil made a late appearance instead of Martina Borg. Birkirkara’s Vince Galea brought on Amelia Vassallo instead of Raina Giusti.
Hibernians attempted to double their lead with a shortly worked corner, however Gabriella Zahra headed off the chance. Amelia Vassallo looked to capitalise on the counter, but was thwarted by Joelma Alves Gabriel.
However, the Stripes were not to be denied for much longer. Gabriella Zahra latched onto a loose clearance outside the box a few minutes later. She looped an effort to find the back of the net on the 80-minute mark, with the team and support erupting in celebration.
End to end action ensued as the game became stretched with both sides throwing everything at it but struggling for end product, sending the teams home with a point apiece.
Final Score: Hibernians 1 – 1 Birkirkara
Standings & Next Matches
The two teams share the spoils as Hibernians maintain a two-point lead at the top, but having played a game more than their top-four rivals. Birkirkara dip into fourth, following victories for Swieqi United and Mgarr United on the same day, with the top four teams continuing to exchange places into mid-season.
Birkirkara will have the shorter turn-around and a chance to push themselves up the table with a direct confrontation against Mgarr United on Tuesday (17th). They will meet at the Centenary Stadium at 18:30, with the Greens coming into it fresh from a 2 – 1 victory against San Gwann. The match will be followed by the encounter between San Gwann and Swieqi United, beginning at 20:45.
Hibernians will play the final match of the calendar year against the same San Gwann, on Friday 20th at Charles Abela Stadium (20:30).
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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[…] United take the three points and fully capitalise on the later draw between Hibernians and Birkirkara to nudge themselves into second place, two below leaders Hibernians, with a game in hand over the […]
[…] The Greens return to competitive fixtures with another win taking their tally to 24 points and lifting them above Birkirkara, who are on 23. The two teams have a short turnaround, with a direct confrontation poised for this Tuesday (17th) at 18:30 at the Centenary Stadium. The defending champions will come into it following a 1 -1 draw against league leaders, Hibernians. […]