by Birkirkara and Hibernians could not be separated at the end of the ninety, ending the match 0 – 0. Hibernians’ Chloe Ellul struck the post early on, but the two teams could not make the most of sporadic chances in a match which saw defences come out on top against attacks devoid of creativity. The match marked a welcome return for goalkeeper Janice Xuereb following a nine month spell on the sidelines.
Team Selections
Janice Xuereb made her first appearance back since sustaining an ACL injury against Portugal last April. The goalkeeper captained Birkirkara, fronted by a trio of Valentina Rapa, Charlene Zammit and Calista Schechinger. Lara May Azzopardi and Alishia Cassar occupied the wings, while Viverly Nanez and Luana Cabral operated in midfield. Amelia Cassar and Mariah Cardona started further forward, while debutant Laura Carvajal Granados led the attack.
There were minimal changes for Hibernians, with Elizabeth Harrington continuing in goal behind an unchanged defence featuring Jessica Dimech, Natalee Geren and Georgiana Mifsud. Chloe Ellul started on the right wing, while Ileana Farrugia held her place on the left wing. Kayleigh Chetcuti and Nicole Sciberras continued to operate in midfield. Captain Martina Borg started in attack with Alexis Espitia and the returning Joelma Alves Gabriel.
How It Unfolded
Hibernians started on the front foot, with Martina Borg earning an early opportunity to put the ball on the box. Birkirkara managed to relieve pressure but the Paolites came back with purpose. Chloe Ellul clipped the post within the first five minutes in attempt to convert a cross from Martina Borg, with Janice Xuereb scrambling toward her right post and relieved to see it bounce out.
The Paolites created another good chance two minutes later, with Kayleigh Chetcuti keeping an attack alive and finding Chloe Ellul in support. She floated a ball which Martina Borg let run to Alexis Espitia. With her back to goal, the American chested it down, but found no one ready to apply the finish.
Birkirkara struggled to get past the midfield, but managed a half chance as Alishia Cassar played a diagonal toward Luana Vitoria Cabral towards the quarter hour mark. However, the left-footed effort was easily cleared by the Paolites. Calista Schechinger worked Elizabeth Harrington with a central effort from range, but the goalkeeper was untroubled by the catch.
The Stripes had opportunities from corners which they could also not convert. Mariah Cardona also injected pace into the counter-attack on one occasion, but was offered no options to breach Hibernians’ defensive line, with the Paolites seeing away the danger.
However, in open play it was Hibernians who continued dominating, attacking in numbers. Martina Borg continued being key for the side, looking to play creative linkups in between spaces. Meanwhile, Nicole Sciberras and Kayleigh Chetcuti were dogged in their search for the ball in midfield, almost starving their defenders of action for the majority of the half.
Alexis Espitia had the best opportunity toward the 35th minute, as Ileana Farrugia drove forward out wide before finding Joelma Alves Gabriel in support. Her initial cross was dealt with but only as far as Alexis Espitia. However, the American skied the volley.
Hibernians Kenneth Costantino appeared forced into a change at the break, with Martina Borg making way after having taken a knock in the opening half. Sarah Vella Barberi took to the pitch wide in attack, while Nicole Sciberras took on the captain’s duties.
Birkirkara came out into the second half with more control over the ball, but lacking ideas in attack. To their credit, Hibernians’ defenders were disciplined in reading the long balls into the box, but the Stripes appeared unwilling to try alternative options.
On the other hand, the Paolites appeared settled into a counter-attacking stance, with less interest in creative play going forward. Janice Xuereb won the battle against Alexis Espitia who was on the trot down the line following a release from Nicole Sciberras, but the Birkirkara goalkeeper was largely untroubled from open play for the majority of the half.
The Paolites had further opportunities from corners which they failed to make the most out of, while Calista Schechinger and Charlene Zammit combined just well enough to deny Alexis Espitia from another counter-attack.
Frustrations grew on both touchlines with time ticking away. Birkirkara’s Vince Galea made two changes as the final quarter of an hour elapsed, bringing on Gabriella Zahra in midfield, with Mariah Cardona making way, thus releasing Luana Vitoria Cabral further forward. Stella Francalanza also made an appearance in a straight swap with Amelia Vassallo.
The Stripes had the major opportunities as the match drew to a close. A dangerous ball was floated into the box and not dealt with effectively, but the Stripes did not have the numbers to apply the finish.
The best opportunity arrived in injury time as Alishia Cassar was released in on goal in transition. However, the effort from distance was meek with Elizabeth Harrington coming out to close the angle and getting a good palm on it. The Stripes had two opportunities from free-kicks, which Hibernians saw away to keep their clean sheet and the teams deadlocked at the whistle.
Final Score: Birkirkara 0 – 0 Hibernians
Standings & Next Matches
The two sides take a point apiece, with Hibernians taking their tally to 38 points, and Birkirkara to 33 points in fourth place.
The two teams will eagerly await the encounter between Swieqi United and Mgarr United this evening (Charles Abela Stadium, 20:30). With 38 points in hand, the Owls have the opportunity to get a three point lead over Hibernians, while Mgarr United could equal both teams should they earn the win this evening.
On their part, Birkirkara will next face Swieqi United at the Charles Abela Stadium next Thursday 13th February at 20:30, while Mgarr United and Hibernians meet at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15 on the same day.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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