by Hibernians and San Gwann begin their final league round looking to bounce back from defeat, with kick-off set at 20:30 at the Charles Abela Stadium. Martina Borg confirmed her side is determined to extend their record of not conceding against San Gwann, while Julian Camilleri is demanding sharper concentration and a better balance between defence and attack after recent costly errors against Birkirkara.
Mincing Defeats
Hibernians will be kickstarting their final league round against San Gwann, with the two teams heading into this one on the back of defeats.
Hibernians were undone by a singular strike from Yulya Carella against Mgarr United. However, the Greens’ coach, Ryan Vella, argued against the team’s reliance of a moment of brilliance, asserting that his team created plenty and limited the Paolites to limited chances.
Questioned for her view on that assessment, Martina Borg replied, “Yes I agree that Mgarr were tactically very strong and limited spaces. We tried to use a system intending to keep both centre-backs busy and exploit the space behind them. We managed on a few occasions to create the chance, but unfortunately these chances were not converted.”
Hibernians’ coach credited the effort from her squad while reflecting on the stumbling point, “The plan was clear and I think our players tried to implement this, but as time passed by it seemed that we didn’t have enough energy to attack with enough numbers in a consistent manner.”
Meanwhile, Julian Camilleri’s side was undone by an early goal from Birkirkara. The Stripes started confidently and commanded the match from the start, and even though San Gwann managed to find a goal back, Birkirkara went home with a 4 – 1 win.
Julian Camilleri acknowledged the directness of Birkirkara but felt his team dug their own hole, “They were extremely direct, it is true. We can say that we conceded four goals all through our own shortcomings. I think we could have avoided them with a bit more concentration and determination. However, as I always say, the match is won by the team that does the least mistakes.”
On Absences
Hibernians’ had a notable absence up front, with Sylivia Kabene missing from the line-up against the Greens. Martina Borg confirmed that the forward is out of club duty until finishing her commitments at international level but returning shortly, “Sylvia is currently representing her national team in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. She should be back in the next couple of days.”
Like all coaches in the Assikura Women’s League, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri was vocal early on in the season on the impact of the 135-minute rule, as well the view of a limited number of teams in the league and its impact on playing time of several players.
As the final round kicks off it is evident that another significant group of players have been lost throughout the season. Camilleri was probed for his thoughts on whether he feels that time has proven the fear correct or whether several of these players may have left the game anyway.
He weighed in, “I said from the start that the 135-minute rule is better for some clubs and worse for others. Those who like us struggle in the amount of players will struggle to control the squad. Unfortunately, we have been put into a situation that it isn’t the case that whoever trains best during the week will play, but that is the reality that we must live everyday.”
Match Expectations
San Gwann have improved their goalscoring output over the year, but Hibernians remains one side that has successfully avoided conceding against them.
Martina Borg believes that the aim of retaining the clean sheet will continue to be a significant goal for the team, besides the ambition of acquiring the three points, “We know that San Gwann are a team who play direct and are dangerous on their counter attacks. Our objective is to limit these spaces and be prepared for negative transitions, ideally keeping a clean sheet like we did in the past encounters we played each other.”
Given the reality of having struggled to break through the Paolites’ defence, Julian Camilleri rejected an ultra-defensive approach as the way to get a point, “We must focus on both aspects, defence and attack. In order to win a match, you must first avoid conceding, but you must also try to find the net. We must adapt to the situations we find ourselves in.”
The two teams will contest the match at the Charles Abela Stadium, starting at 20:30.
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
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