by Champions Mgarr United look to complete an unbeaten league campaign as they face Hibernians, with Ryan Vella calling for one final push before the team celebrates a historic title with the village. Martina Borg, meanwhile, highlighted squad challenges and a focus on performance, as the Paolites aim to end their season on a competitive note despite their position already confirmed.
Contrasts Persist As League Comes To A Head
Mgarr United will be chomping at the bit to finish off a league campaign in unbeaten fashion. The Greens head into it following a 1 – 1 draw that saw Birkirkara manage to knock their first points off the outstanding leaders this year, but one which Ryan Vella felt was a fair result.
“I think it was (a fair result). Credit goes to Birkirkara as they showed how much they improved from previous encounters. It was a well balanced match, a very physical one with two good teams going at it from start to finish.”
At the other end, Hibernians struggled to recover from two early goals against Swieqi United, with the defeat confirming the places for the two teams as well in the league.
Martina Borg sounded the disappointment at the way her team started the match, “We knew second place was difficult for us given we needed six points from the last two matches, but we still wanted to get the most out of each game. We made two big mistakes in the opening half that cost us and I was somewhat disappointed with our attitude overall in the first-half.”
However, Hibernians’ coach found encouraging signs in the second-half, “We were a different team in the second half, more aggressive and created more chances. However, we didn’t make the most of them, but at least it was a better performance.”
Hibernians’ Transition Assessed
Asked for her views on the overall campaign in which the Paolites will finish in the same place in the table as last year, while having undergone significant change in staff and players, Martina Borg replied, “While finishing in the same place in the table, I think we improved in the things that are perhaps difficult to see on the pitch – in terms of identity. However, we lost a lot of experience and game management from crucial players. We have a young squad, who will take some time to get there.”
On the positive side, Borg underscored the strides made as a whole despite a bittersweet look at the initial targets set, “I’m very happy with a few of the performances we had and I felt that even though we could have been better in certain points, we have grown a lot throughout the year. Though we didn’t reach our target, I felt the team did a good job and there is a bright future ahead.”
League Finale Between Two Worthy Rivals
The two teams have thrown up some of the most spectacular matches this year, most notably a close double between the dramatic Jubilee Cup final, which was followed by a direct confrontation in the league in which they ended all square.
This afternoon’s match is a formality in terms of the table, but the two coaches were probed on their approach to the proceedings.
Ryan Vella urged his team to maintain the identity that earned them the title, “The most important thing is that we enjoy the occasion but at the same time keep the same mentality that we had throughout these past eight months that got us in the position we are in.”
Casting a look at their rivals, he continued, “Every game against Hibernians is a very good battle and like every match we’ll do our utmost to get our final three points on the board. It will be a match decided on small details, so it’s important not to let the occasion get the better of us. We’ll try to end the season in the best possible way so we can enjoy the night even more afterwards.”
Martina Borg’s side has one last opportunity to put a spanner in the works and deny the Greens an unbeaten finish to the league. The final match against the league champions is a match-up that the Paolites have been unfortunate enough to end their league campaign with consecutively in the last three years.
“It’s something that we’ve unfortunately had to face consistently it’s true,” Martina Borg replied. However, the Hibernians’ coach was more preoccupied by the impact that the U17 national team commitments has on their squad, with Amy Catania one of those regularly featuring for the Paolites this year in fact netting one of the goals agains Lithuania in the opener on Friday.
“It’s a game without a story for us, because for no understandable reason league matches continue to occur while there are international commitments. We have eight players called up, six of whom train and play regularly with the senior team and that’s besides some injuries. So, we are struggling for numbers. However, we’ll put our best foot forward and perhaps some players who haven’t had much opportunity will get the chance to earn some minutes as well.”
The team will also be without their first choice goalkeeper, Maya Cachia, who must serve a one match suspension.
Nonetheless, the show must go on, “Obviously, we’ll give it our best shot as always,” Borg finished.
Vella Rallies The Village To Show Up For Its Team
They say it takes a village and this is what Ryan Vella has maintained throughout every interview – the importance of a local community that backs the team. The Greens are rallying those in support to attend the match in numbers, with the Mgarr square closed off for celebrations following the match as the team brings home a maiden league trophy.
Questioned for his appeal toward the core supporters who have been behind the team through thick and thin, Vella replied, “I want to say thank you for the incredible support throughout the entire season. Winning the league for the first time in our club’s history is a shared achievement, it belongs to everyone who played a part in this journey, from the staff behind the scenes to our loyal supporters who stood by us every step of the way.”
The biggest praise was reserved for those putting on the shirt, “At the end of the day, none of this would have been possible without the players. Their consistency, hard work, and dedication week in, week out have been outstanding. This special moment truly belongs to them.”
The Mgarr United coach rallied the support – old and new – to join the team for the milestone moment, “I encourage everyone—those who’ve been with us for years and those who are just joining the journey, to come along, celebrate with us, support the team, and be part of these unforgettable moments both at the stadium and in Mgarr square. Let’s enjoy this together.”
The match kicks off at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium. The match will be followed by the trophy lift and celebrations will follow at the Mgarr village square. The Mgarr United club is also organising free transport between Mgarr and the Centenary Stadium. The other match in the competition will be between Birkirkara and San Gwann who close off the campaign at Dingli Ground (16:00).
Lead Image: Dorienne Grech
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