Hibernians Earn Win With Two Quick Fire Goals Against San Gwann

Hibernians secured their first three points with a 2 – 0 win against San Gwann. The Paolites dominated possession, ultimately earning the win thanks to goals by Kayleigh Chetcuti and captain Nicole Sciberras. Jessica Dimech was denied by the post.

Team Selections

San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri continued to trust Justyne Caruana in goal. Sabrin Blihi debuted for San Gwann in the heart of the defense, alongside Mariama Kamis. Lisa Vella occupied the right full-back position on her return with the Yellows, while Naomi Blundell kept her space on the left. Fatma Al Girbi started in front of the defence, with captain Anabelle Rapa and league debutant Morena Fanega further afield. Kirsty Paris and Rodianne Zerafa started on the wings, while Hailey Russell was the lone attacker.

Meanwhile, Hibernians’ Martina Borg gave Maya Cachia an immediate debut, behind a back four consisting of Georgiana Mifsud, Amber Galea, Jessica Dimech and the second signing, Cali Schechinger. Natalee Geren partnered the new Paolites captain, Nicole Sciberras, in midfield. Kayleigh Chetcuti and Nyorah Celeste occupied the flanks while Ileana Farrugia supported Leah Ayres in attack.

How It Unfolded

The match kicked off in the expected manner, with San Gwann focused on hassling Hibernians on every ball and maintaining shape. The Paolites appeared calm in rotation of the ball early on, managing to find spaces but having limited shot output. Nicole Sciberras led with a shot in the ninth minute that just crept over the bar.

At the other end, Maya Cachia was fairly untroubled but the warning signs were made as Anabelle Rapa chased down to block a kick which luckily for the Paolites rebounded straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. The defence was marshalling last year’s top scorer, Hailey Russell, with intent.

The Paolites continued to push forward with a cross that begged for a touch to send them into the lead, but to no avail. Unafraid to go long, Hibernians attempted to vary their approach against the stubborn San Gwann defence, but the combination of the pass and the run eluded them in execution.

The Yellows earned themselves a cheap free-kick in the Paolites’ half. Despite being quite far out, Hailey Russell attempted to direct from distance against the wind. However, it was wide of the mark.

The Paolites returned to their task, but frustrations started to creep in before two close chances gave the side a closer look in the final ten minutes of the opening half. Natalee Geren threaded a neat through ball behind the defence, but Kayleigh Chetcuti could not get the touch with Justyne Caruana quick to slide in and take control.

Two minutes later, Nicole Sciberras took the bull by the horns with a run into the box, taking on three players before hitting a strike toward the left corner from the edge of the area. Justyne Caruana dove to make the initial save, before getting up to block Leah Ayres’ rebound as well.

Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 0 Hibernians

Changes ensued from both benches at the break. San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri brought on Rhea Borg instead of Fatma Al Girbi. Meanwhile, Hibernians’ Martina Borg brought on Yolande Attard at right-back, with Georgiana Mifsud partnering Jessica Dimech in defence, while Laura Muscat debuted in attack. Amber Galea and Nyorah Celeste gave way.

The Paolites set about continuing their task. Leah Ayres forced the issue earning a set-piece opportunity at the corner flag, but the delivery was too deep. The side earned further set-piece opportunities to open the scoring but to no avail, with careless efforts at the final third.

Further changes ensued as the hour elapsed, with Julian Camilleri releasing the pace of Naila Addomah Addo, with Rodianne Zerafa making way. It raised anticipation from the San Gwann faithful whose side was still on the path for a historic point.

However, the Paolites had other plans. Jessica Dimech came close to opening the scoring arriving at the far post and heading the ball straight into the left post. It was the closest the side got but was enough to send fresh warning signs for the Yellows and a fresh wave of belief for Hibernians.

The goal came three minutes later. Natalee Geren cleared one marker in midfield before running through acres of space and feeding Kayleigh Chetcuti. Making the space for the shot, the Paolites’ number seven fired from the edge of the box into the post and in to break the deadlock in the 68th minute.

Hibernians’ Martina Borg made two further changes, with Olivia Nazarko making her first appearance on the senior stage, while Lisa Calleja took to the pitch for the first time in the Paolites shirt. Ileana Farrugia and Leah Ayres gave way.

The Paolites capitalised on the chaos of change in full force, earning the second goal in the 71st minute. Nicole Sciberras was first to side-foot a volley straight into the top left corner, with San Gwann unable to the deal with the ball into the box.

Final changes ensued for both teams, with Thais Muscat taking to the pitch for San Gwann, while Francesca Bartolo marked her return to the league as another debutant for the Paolites.

With the pressure lifted, the Paolites’ front line started to show more confidence, with Laura Muscat being deft with lay-offs, while Olivia Nazarko appeared to be taking like a duck to water on her senior debut.

However, overconfidence at the back almost cost the Paolites, with the Yellows seeking a goal back as careless play earned the Yellows a first free-kick that triggered a series of opportunities. Morena Fanega aimed for Naila Addomah but Georgiana Mifsud was first to the ball, before the Argentinian’s second ball in was also cleared.

Further free-kicks were won, with the Argentinian picking out Sabrin Blihi, whose shot was blocked. Hailey Russell attempted the rebound, with calls for a penalty from the stands, but none given with Georgiana Mifsud seeming to have her hands folded.

A final set-piece was earned with Jessica Dimech landing in the book though incredulous at the decision. Fanega’s delivery was cleared once more, with the Paolites keen on the clean sheet. Frustrations brewed for the Yellows, with Naila Addomah Addo the next to land in the book after slamming the ball in frustration, earning a non-negotiable booking.

The two coaches were still in full voice as the final few minutes elapsed, looking to eek out more instructions in search of settling their teams early in the season.

San Gwann’s Hailey Russell almost managed to earn a final opportunity, disposssessing Natalee Geren who was retreated to the defence, earning a chance to charge on goal. However, the Paolites’ number two recovered well to marshal the compatriot on her left foot before clearing to safety.

Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 2 Hibernians

Next Matches

The Paolites secure a first victory on their first march under Martina Borg’s leadership. San Gwann will take stock of the performance in search of another test next week.

Hibernians will next face Birkirkara on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. The Stripes also earned three points against Valletta on the opening matchday. Meanwhile, San Gwann will take their chances against the defending champions, Swieqi United on Saturday 30th at 20:30 at the same stadium.

Until then tonight presents the final match in the opening weekend, as last year’s runners-up, Mgarr United, host the title winners, Swieqi United, at the Centenary Stadium at 19:30.

Lead Image: Lara Schembri

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