Hibernians Edge Out Birkirkara In Goal-Laden Afternoon

Hibernians secured a 4 – 3 victory against Birkirkara to extend the lead to four points at the top. Sarah Vella Barberi, Martina Borg, Joelma Alves Gabriel and Alexis Espitia converted for the Paolites. Birkirkara mounted a comeback through Charlene Zammit, Mariah Cardona and Luana Vitoria Cabral, but could not complete it in time.

Team Selections

Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino kept faith in Elizabeth Harrington between the posts. Georgiana Mifsud debuted in the back three alongside the trusted Natalee Geren and Jessica Dimech. Ileana Farrugia and Sarah Vella Barberi started on the flanks, while Nicole Sciberras and Kayleigh Chetcuti continued to operate in midfield. Captain Martina Borg operated in support of Joelma Alves Gabriel and Alexis Espitia in attack.

Meanwhile, Maya Cachia continued her stay in goal for Birkirkara. Lara May Azzopardi and Calista Schechinger started as the full-backs, while Valentina Rapa and Charlene Zammit started at the heart of the defence. Gabriella Zahra continued to build the partnership with Viverly Nanez in midfield, while Luana Vitoria Cabral operated further forward. Erica Bispo led the line, flanked by Mariah Cardona and captain Alishia Cassar.

How It Unfolded

It was Birkirkara who had the first opportunity just two minutes into it. Erica Bispo released Luana Vitoria Cabral off the shoulder of the defence. However, the effort was pulled wide of the left post.

Although penned into their half and unable to break early on, Hibernians dealt with the initial waves of crosses with Elizabeth Harrington controlling the aerial deliveries, while Georgiana Mifsud displayed the composure she’s synonymous for from the off in her debut with the Paolites, to deal with another. Kayleigh Chetcuti managed to relieve pressure winning a free-kick early on.

The Hibernians’ defence drove the momentum forward in what also set the pattern for the match for them. Jessica Dimech sent a direct ball for Alexis Espitia who was a willing runner behind the defence. She roped in Joelma Alves Gabriel who won the corner. The resulting delivery also set a pattern, as the Brazilian set onto a clear aim to target the six yard box. However, Valentina Rapa rose to clear the first attempt.

Birkirkara responded with a chance of their own, working the ball well in short passes. However, Erica Bispo’s effort on the turn was saved at the near post by Elizabeth Harrington.

Tensions rose with things in the balance, with both sets of players and a few of those in support doing their best to get into George Attard’s ear for every decision.

Having had a few opportunities from set-pieces, Hibernians broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute from a free-kick. Joelma Alves Gabriel fired goalward, which Maya Cachia saved but could not hold. Sarah Vella Barberi was lively to fire the rebound into the top right corner, earning her first goal in Hibernians’ colours.

The Paolites doubled their lead just four minutes later from a spot kick, as Alexis Espitia was deemed to have been brought down in the box. Martina Borg was composed to place a low effort into the centre of the net.

Birkirkara attempted to regain some control in the match in search of finding their way back into it. However, the crosses were easily dealt with by the Paolites.

On the other hand, Hibernians were still focused on deploying their plan into action, utilising another set-piece to find the third in the 33rd minute. Once again, Joelma Alves Gabriel curled an inswinger toward the near post and was rewarded with the effort palmed into the net.

Tensions escalated in the stands, with players getting further into each other’s faces on the pitch as well. Birkirkara attempted to get themselves on the scoresheet before half-time, but could not trouble Hibernians from a free-kick, before Erica Bispo delivered a cross into the box that begged for a touch which never arrived.

Half-Time Score: Hibernians 3 – 0 Birkirkara

Neither coach tampered with their line-up at the break. Hibernians set out with a focus on maintaining their shape, while the onus lied heavily on the defending champions to find their way back into it.

The Stripes created a good chance eleven minutes into the half, with Viverly Nanez dinking a ball for Erica Bispo to chase behind. However, the first attempt was blocked by Elizabeth Harrington who closed down the shot, before the second attempt was cleared by Ileana Farrugia.

Hibernians responded in clinical fashion with a counter-attack that dealt Birkirkara the fourth goal. Alexis Espitia was released between the central defenders and placed low into the left corner to put more distance between the two.

The Stripes survived another wave of corners shortly after, with Maya Cachia palming out the first, while Ileana Farrugia’s rebound was blocked.

However, typical of champion mentality, Birkirkara were not yet ready to throw the towel. Charlene Zammit continued her goalscoring streak, heading home a free-kick delivery to get the team on their path back in the 61st minute.

The progress appeared to be undone with an error at the back shortly after as the Stripes looked to play out and handed possession right back to the Paolites. However, the team survived the attack.

Substitutes ensued from both coaches with Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino refreshing the defence as Jessica Dimech gave way to Amber Galea, while Sarah Vella Barberi was replaced by Chloe Ellul. Vince Galea made a change shortly after in midfield, bringing on Amelia Vassallo instead of Gabriella Zahra.

Birkirkara’s defence appeared to be not only the initiator but the main driver in creating something for the team. The onus lied heavily on Birkirkara to find their way back but the side squandered possession as they looked to transition into attack. To their credit, Hibernians’ were relentless in their search for the ball, breaking play and setting off in the other direction in search for more.

The Paolites in fact earned more opportunities from set-pieces. Maya Cachia dealt with an attempt from Joelma Alves Gabriel, before dealing with a corner delivery. Nicole Sciberras positioned herself well for the second ball into the box but could not direct it goalward to add to the tally.

Kenneth Costantino made a triple swap for the final ten minutes of the match with Yolande Attard replacing Ileana Farrugia on the wings. Kayleigh Chetcuti gave way to Amy Busuttil in midfield, while Leah Ayres was trusted up top instead of Alexis Espitia.

Birkirkara capitalised on the transitional moment by driving home the second with a good buildup as Amelia Vassallo released Alishia Cassar on the wing. The skipper found Erica Bispo who crossed it for Mariah Cardona to tap home from close range in the 81st minute.

The officials continued getting stick as the Stripes sought to complete their comeback, while tensions rose in the dugouts. Both coaches were in full voice attempting to ensure their team managed to fulfil their own targets as the clock ran out.

Birkirkara drove home the third in injury time with a worked corner routine. Erica Bispo passed to Luana Vitoria Cabral from the edge of the box. She put a foot through the ball which curled outward into the top right side of the post, cutting the Paolites’ lead to just one. However, the comeback was not to be fulfilled with the referee’s whistle blowing shortly on the restart.

Final Score: Hibernians 4 – 3 Birkirkara

Standings & Next Matches

Hibernians extend a four-point lead at the top of the table. Birkirkara remain second on 32 points but tied with Swieqi United, following Swieqi’s draw against fourth-placed Mgarr United (31 points) later in the afternoon.

The top four return on Saturday 25th at Dingli Ground, with Swieqi United and Birkirkara starting the duel at 14:00, before Hibernians face Mgarr United at 16:30.

Lead Image: Elise Bajada 

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