by Hibernians were in full control as they secured a 7 – 0 win against Valletta. The Paolites made effective use of possession, with Leah Ayres and Misozi Zulu both delivering a brace, while Cali Schechinger, Suzanne Farrugia Saco and Sylivia Kabene completed the scoring. Both sides hit the post in the match.
Team Selections
Dorienne Grech started in goal for Valletta, behind a back-line consisting of Nicole Grixti, Ilona Sultana, Sarah Micallef and Lorna-Maria Cassar. Shakira Bugeja protected the defence, with Eliza Csik and captain Joelma Alves Gabriel returning to action in midfield. Hannah Fennech and Somaya Muscat started on the flanks, with Liliana Cohete the furthest forward for the team.
Maya Muscat made a start in goal for Hibernians, behind a back-four consisting of Shana Farrugia, Amber Galea, Jessica Dimech and Cali Schechinger. Natalee Geren and captain Nicole Sciberras maintained the partnership in midfield, with Suzanne Farrugia Sacco and Sarah Vella Barberi operating on the flanks. Misozi Zulu supported Leah Ayres in attack.
How It Unfolded
Hibernians kicked off with the target of getting themselves an early lead. Valletta were looking to push up in search of delaying the Paolites, but could not hold off for too long.
Sarah Vella Barberi fired a free-kick into the side-netting in the fifth minute as a warning sign, before the Paolites earned the lead just one minutes later. The winger placed the cut-back for Leah Ayres who delivered a low-drive into the far left corner of the net.
The side rotated possession, with Cali Scechinger next to fire a right-footed effort into the side-netting toward the near post. Sarah Vella Barberi also tested Dorienne Grech from wide.
However, Misozi Zulu converted her first goal in Malta in the 26th minute. The Zambian converted from Jessica Dimech’s cross, as the side pressed home the advantage from a corner kick.
The side kept up the chase for more, with Sarah Vella Barberi and Leah Ayres combining once more in the 31st minute to make it three. Cali Scechinger scored her first goal in Hibernians colours five minutes later, firing a venomous shot from the wing into the far right of the net.
Sarah Vella Barberi made it a hat-trick of assists in the 41st minute, picking out Suzanne Farrugia Sacco at the far post, with the latter delivering a mid-air flick to get her name on the scoresheet.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 5 Hibernians
Substitutes ensued from both benches. Valletta’s Aaliyah Bonnici Carbono and Ulani Belkis came on in midfield, replacing Joelma Alves Gabriel and Somaya Muscat. Hannah Fenech also gave way to Edera Marmara.
Hibernians also freshened up with a triple switch, with Sylivia Kabene replacing Leah Ayres in attack. Yolande Attard coming in for Shana Farrugia, while Ileana Farrugia replaced Suzanne Farrugia Sacco. Kayleigh Chetcuti also replaced Sarah Vella Barberi on the hour mark.
Valletta continued to struggle to worry the Paolites, although looking for the sporadic attempt to make a charge up the field. Hibernians on their part, did not look like they were ready to settle quite yet, with the team looking to make purposeful use of their commanding hold of possession.
The Paolites piled opportunities with Sylivia Kabene denied by the Dorienne Grech as the Ugandan powered an effort destined for the far post.
Misozi Zulu was denied once more by a Dorienne Grech foot, as she attempted to convert the cross from Cali Schechinger. However, was off celebrating in the 68th minute, rising to meet a Kayleigh Chetcuti cross from the wing.
With the team in secure possession, Martina Borg handed a senior debut to Edeson Grixti in a direct swap with Cali Schechinger.
Although scarcely managing to get themselves up the half-way line, Valletta managed to earn a rare free-kick in Hibernians’ half, which almost paid complete dividends. Shakira Bugeja continued her trademark of on-target set-pieces, with the effort from midfield clipping the crossbar. Valletta’s attempt for a rebound into the net was cleared from the line.
Having managed to retain their clean sheet, the Paolites pushed forward for more keeping to the pattern of play. The side continued to trouble on the wing, with Yolande Attard pushing forward in action on the right. The number eleven fizzed a finish from outside the box that rose just over the bar, before combining with Kayleigh Chetcuti for the overlap. However, Misozi Zulu could not convert the two crosses to add further to the tally and complete the hat-trick.
Final Score: Valletta 0 – 7 Hibernians
Standings & Next Matches
Hibernians maintain pace with Swieqi United, with the latter having won their match against Birkirkara earlier in the afternoon.
The Jubilee Cup semi-finals will take centre-stage next week, as Hibernians meet Birkirkara at the Centenary Stadium on Friday (20:00). Swieqi United meet Mgarr United at the same stadium on Saturday at 17:30.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
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[…] head into it following a free-flowing game of football against Valletta, walking home with a 7 – 0 win. Martina Borg was happy with the performance shown by the team, “I was happy not only with […]