by Valletta and San Gwann could not be separated, finishing in a goalless stalemate. Neither side could find the accuracy in finishing, despite plenty created. Valletta came closest, striking the crossbar courtesy of Joelma Alves Gabriel, while the side also argued a penalty shout late on.
Team Selections
Dorienne Grech continued her stay between the posts for Valletta. Nicole Grixti came into the fold at right-back, in the company of Shakira Bugeja, Ilona Sultana and Lorna-Maria Cassar. Cora Falzon made her starting debut in front of the defence, with Eliza Csik and Hannah Fenech in her company. Sarah Fenech and Liliana Cohete occupied the wings while captain Joelma Alves Gabriel led the attack.
Justyne Caruana returned in goal for San Gwann, fronted by a back-four consisting of captain Annabelle Rapa, Lisa Vella, Naomi Blundell and Kirstie Vella. Rhea Borg anchored the midfield, with Chaimaa Tourki and Morena Fanega orchestrating further forward. Rodianne Zerafa led the attack, flanked by Rabab Mhalli and Hailey Russell.
How It Unfolded
It only took twenty seconds for the first shot of the match to be fired, courtesy of San Gwann’s Hailey Russell. Valletta’s Joelma Alves Gabriel responded two minutes later. However, those two efforts set the pattern for the night, in two sides who created plenty but could not convert.
Chaimaa Tourki & Rabab Mhalli were on the same wavelength in the 6th minute, with Tourki winning the ball in midfield before venturing forward. Linking with Mhalli, the latter cut inside for the shot which fizzed wide of the right post.
The tense opening was palpable as both sides saw the opportunity for a first victory. Key links developed early with Eliza Csik and Joelma Alves Gabriel combining effectively, while Lisa Vella was keeping a close eye on the Brazilian. At the other end, Chaimaa Tourki was running play, looking to release her forwards behidn the Valletta defence.
Valletta grew strong as the quarter hour mark passed, building well on the right side before Sarah Fenech attempted to press home a mistake for the shot. However, San Gwann closed just in time. The Citizens rushed back with a delightful long diagonal by Lorna-Maria Cassar for Joelma Alves Gabriel to latch onto. The Brazilian brought under control with one touch, but the no-look left-footed finished courled outward from the post.
Julian Camilleri and Anton Cremona were animated on the touchlines, caught between frustrations and encouragement for their team as the chances started to pile to no avail.
San Gwann’s Hailey Russell raised alarms for the Citizens, with the American darting into the left side of the box. Dorienne Grech was fully committed, with the American winning the dribble but the cross into the box found no finisher. Shakira Bugeja blocked the second ball in, before Rhea Borg skied the finish from outside the box.
Annabelle Rapa was next to make a crucial interception as Eliza Csik found Joelma Alves Gabriel. Her cross was destined for Sarah Fenech’s tap in, but the San Gwann skipper intercepted just in time. At the other end, Nicole Grixti earned the plaudits with a crucial tackle on Hailey Russell to deny her the space for a finish.
Justyne Caruana was called into action just on the half-hour mark, as Liliana Cohete linked with Joelma Alves Gabriel, who found Hannah Fenech’s forward run. However, she was closed off by the San Gwann goalkeeper, keeping things in balance once more.
Valletta continued to gain momentum of the match, creating the better opportunities but the finishing continued to keep scores level. San Gwann responded with another blistering surge by Hailey Russell in the 40th minute. However, the effort from the right side of the box skimmed the roof of the net.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 0 San Gwann
Valletta’s Anton Cremona made one change at the break, bringing on Ulani Belkis instead of Cora Falzon in midfield.
The Citizens were ready to celebrate in the 53rd minute as Eliza Csik’s effort deflected into the path of Joelma Alves Gabriel. However, the skipper rattled the crossbar from the right-side of the six-yard box.
It was enough to jolt a double swap from Julian Camilleri, bringing on Fatma Al Girbi in front of the defence, while Sabrin Blihi took to the pitch in the centre-back partnership with Lisa Vella. Naomi Blundell and Rhea Borg shifted to occupy the full-back duties as veteran duo Annabelle Rapa and Kirstie Vella gave way.
Hailey Russell and Fatma Al Girbi were both unable to find the target, before San Gwann fashioned a good opportunity from a free-kick. Sabrin Blihi launched from midfield, finding Morena Fanega at the far post. However, Dorienne Grech was alert to make the save at the near post.
The momentum shift continued as San Gwann gained the upper hand, in contrast to the majority of the opening half. Valletta continued to invite pressure with wayward kicks. However, the finishing continued to let San Gwann down, with Rodianne Zerafa unable to find the target in connection to crosses from Hailey Russell and Rabab Mhalli. Ilona Sultana was next to make a perfectly timed tackle to deny Hailey Russell another opportunity to fire.
Further changes ensued with Danicia Ciantar replacing Hannah Fenech*, while Nilayza Attard replaced Rodianne Zerafa.
Tensions continued to rise with members in Valletta’s staff landing in the book as Derome Agius was taking no disrespect from either side. The Valletta faithful were fully on Agius’ case as Eliza Csik clattered to the floor in going in the penalty box challenging for the ball. However, the officials made no direction to the spot. Ilona Sultana was next to get a talk from Derome Agius as the official sought to keep a lid on things.
Rabab Mhalli gave way to Kirsty Paris following a collision with Nicole Grixti.
The final five minutes of normal time ensued with both defences coming on top against set-pieces while Valletta were unable to capitalise on two transition opportunities late on. Nicole Grixti continued a fine debut making a final crucial tackle on Hailey Russell to deny the American one last bite at it.
Final Score: Valletta 0 – 0 San Gwann
Standings & Next Matches
The two sides will be happy to have earned a point to get their tallies going, but neither is likely to have walked away elated given the chances created at either end.
Valletta will next face the defending champions, Swieqi United, on Saturday 27th September at the Charles Abela Stadium. San Gwann have a shorter turnaround as they prepare to face Birkirkara on the 26th at the same stadium.
However, before then, this weekend will present two more tight clashes as Swieqi United face Hibernians tonight at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30), while tomorrow will present the battle between Mgarr and Birkirkara at Dingli Ground (20:30).
Assikura Women's League - Standings
*Edit – correction of surname.
Lead Image: Nicholas Falzon
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