Hibernians Bounce Back With Victory Over Mgarr United

Hibernians stay in touch with second place following a 1-0 victory over Mgarr United, courtesy of a second-half strike by Alexis Espitia. Leah Ayres was also denied by the post, while Maya Muscat enjoys a clean sheet on her first senior start. The Greens’ woes are doubled following a match-ending injury for Luana Cabral just before the half-time whistle.

Team Selections

Hibernians’ Maya Muscat made her first senior start in goal. She was protected by a four-player defence that featured Yolande Attard and Kiley Norkus on the flanks of Natalee Geren and Amy Busuttil. Captain Martina Borg started in front of the defence alongside Sarah Urpani, with Kayleigh Chetcuti in the number ten position. Nyorah Celeste was given the nod to start on the right-wing, while Alexis Espitia moved to the left. Leah Ayres returned to the attacking position up front.

Mgarr United’s Patricia Ebejer retained her place in goal, behind a defensive back-four of Anastasia Sivolobova, Chantelle Grech, Leanne Cefai and Rebecca Bajada. Captain Maia Debono protected the defence alongside Luana Cabral. Brenda Borg and Yulya Carella occupied a wider and more attacking role, with Joelma Alves Gabriel supporting Fernanda Peinado in attack.

Drab Opening

There was little to separate the two teams in the open half of the match. Hibernians had an initial slight advantage in possession and appeared to be going on a more offensive front. However, a hopeful long-range effort from Sarah Urpani was watched all the way by Patricia Ebejer.

Natalee Geren appeared to make something off winning the ball high up the pitch but her attempt to release Leah Ayres was well read buy Leanne Cefai. Nyorah Celeste was well-found by both Martina Borg and Kayleigh Chetcuti on separate occasions. However, attempts to hit crosses into the box were well read by Mgarr United’s defence.

Mgarr United had opportunities from set-pieces around the 25th minute. However, Hibernians were able to clear the deliveries without too much sweat. Brenda Borg delivered an out-swinging corner but everyone failed to get a touch on as well.

Hibernians responded with another attempt to break the Greens’ defensive line half-an hour into it, with Natalee Geren combining with Kayleigh Chetcuti, who launched forward. However, much like the previous times, Leanne Cefai was there to clear once more. The Paolites managed to win a corner which Martina Borg delivered into the six-yard box, but Patricia Ebejer punched out.

Mgarr United transitioned into attack with a good surge up the right wing. However, an effort from Joelma Alves Gabriel found only the side netting. Brenda Borg attempted to test Maya Muscat from distance shortly after, but the young goalkeeper was untroubled. The Greens’ appeared to be onto something as Joelma Alves Gabriel made a nuisance of herself against Amy Busuttil, winning possession, but the defender recovered quickly to block the shot.

As efforts to get some goal-mouth action failed, Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino opted to swap out his wingers, to no avail. The half ended on a somber note as Luana Cabral sustained a match-ending injury, needed to be stretchered off the pitch. The Brazilian was replaced by Kayah Abela Sciberras.

Half-Time Score: Hibernians 0 – 0 Mgarr United

Hibernians Hunt & Secure The Victory

Both coaches made some tweaks at the break. Kayleigh Chetcuti took a deeper position in midfield, while Martina Borg occupied the centre attacking position. Meanwhile, Mgarr United’s Kayah Abela Sciberras slotted on the right wing, while Yulya Carella shifted to the left.

Mgarr United’s Fernanda Peinado attempted to break the deadlock from a free-kick. Although she got around the wall, Maya Muscat was well positioned to make the stop.

Hibernians responded with a chance of their own as Martina Borg ran into space on the left wing and cut-back to Leah Ayres, but the forward failed to get purchase on the ball. The Paolites’ supporters where on their feet into 56th minute as Natalee Geren appeared set to have snuck a goal from a direct-free-kick from well out. Patricia Ebejer got something on the ball, which hit the crossbar before the goalkeeper collected from the floor-bounce. The officials rejected Hibernians’ pleas for the goal.

Still the attempt swung momentum firmly with the Paolites who developed another good chance on the hour mark. Kayleigh Chetcuti released Leah Ayres who flashed a low cross across the face of goal, finding her captain at the far post. Martina Borg shifted it onto her right boot, but found only Rebecca Bajada who blocked the shot. The skipper attempted to break the deadlock with a free-kick shortly after, but failed to get the curl to find the bottom right corner.

However, Hibernians continued knocking on the door. Leah Ayres was denied by the woodwork five minutes later after being well found in space by Alexis Espitia. Although the play did not result in a goal, it was the right idea that paid dividends for the goal on the seventy-minute mark. This time, Martina Borg played the pass to Alexis Espitia, who fired low into the far left corner of the goal to nudge the team toward victory.

Changes ensued from both teams shortly after. Nyorah Celeste gave way to Chloe Ellul who took the right-back position, while Yolande Attard replaced Celeste on the left wing. Hibernians looked like they could sneak a second, but Sarah Urpani’s effort rose above the bar, before an attempt to release Leah Ayres was swept by Patricia Ebejer.

Meanwhile, Mgarr United’s Abigail Camilleri took to the pitch instead of Joelma Alves Gabriel. Camilleri partnered Leanne Cefai in defence, while Chantelle Grech moved into midfield. Mgarr United threw more bodies forward in attempt to get an equaliser late on. Yulya Carella won the team a free-kick within shooting range on the left side of the box. However, her attempt to find the far top corner settled behind the goal.

The Greens’ number eleven managed to win a final opportunity to launch the ball into the box from the left wing. However, Chloe Ellul headed away the initial ball. Leanne Cefai attempted to keep it alive but found more Hibernians’ bodies ready to clear, before Maya Muscat collected the re-entry from Rebecca Bajada. The young goalkeeper gobbled up a final attempt from Leanne Cefai to release Brenda Borg to ensure the clean sheet.

Final Score: Hibernians 0 – 1 Mgarr United

Standings & Next Matches

Hibernians ensure that they stay within a two-point margin to second-placed Swieqi United, while opening an eight point lead in third place over Mgarr United, with the victory. The two teams will return to action on March 2nd, following the international break. Hibernians will face league leaders Birkirkara at 14:00 at Mgarr Ground, before Mgarr United welcome Swieqi United at 16:30.

This afternoon will feature the final two matches in the Assikura Women’s League at Dingli Ground as Lija Athletic host San Gwann (14:00), before Valletta meet Mtarfa (16:30).

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