by Hibernians returned to league commitments handing Valletta their strongest defeat, with a 10 – 0 score. Alexis Espitia and Joelma Alves Gabriel grabbed hat-tricks, while Ileana Farrugia, Nicole Sciberras, Kayleigh Chetcuti and Yolande Attard got a goal apiece to complete the scoring.
Team Selections
Gabriella Grima continued her stay in goal for Valletta, protected by a four piece defence consisting of captain Anna Aloisio, Sabrin Blihi, Eunice Micallef and Lisa Vella. Monique Sultana and Ylenia Grech occupied the centre of the pitch, flanked by Megan La Rosa and Sarah Fenech. Rodianne Zerafa debuted for the side in attack, partnering Laura Muscat.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Harrington continued to be trusted between the posts for Hibernians. The three piece defence featured Amber Galea, Natalee Geren and Jessica Dimech. Nicole Sciberras captained the side, starting in midfield in the company of Kayleigh Chetcuti and Amy Busuttil, while Chloe Ellul and Ileana Farrugia operated as wing-backs. Joelma Alves Gabriel partnered Alexis Espitia in attack.
How It Unfolded
The match kicked off with Hibernians holding the majority of possession, while attempting to destabilise Valletta’s shape. The Paolites teased balls in behind the Valletta defence, but found the combined efforts of Eunice Micallef and Sabrin Blihi resolute in denying them shooting opportunities early on. Jessica Dimech also struck from distance, finding the target, but Gabriella Grima ready to collect.
Although lacking much possession, there was intent from Valletta in linking play with the forwards Laura Muscat and Rodianne Zerafa keen on building their understanding. However, the best opportunity arrived from a free-kick which Sabrin Blihi teased toward the far corner of the net, forcing a punch from Elizabeth Harrington. Rodianne Zerafa fired a shot from the resulting play, but did not get the connection to truly trouble the goalkeeper, who was well positioned to collect.
The chance jolted Hibernians into a real opportunity on the 20th minute mark, with Nicole Sciberras feeding Joelma Alves Gabriel who released Alexis Espitia behind. However, the American overcomplicated the attempt with a dribble past the goalkeeper taking her wide and the chance for the goal with it.
Despite this, the warning signs were there and once Hibernians got going, they quickly settled into a comfortable score. Alexis Espitia fired home twice in the space of two minutes close to the half-hour mark to get the Paolites comfortably in the lead.
With confidence shot in dealing with the moment, Valletta struggled to contain the league leaders, with successive corners piling pressure. In fact, Hibernians found the third just three minutes later, with a direct corner kick from Joelma Alves Gabriel. Gabriella Grima got something on it but could deny the Brazilian.
Ileana Farrugia wrapped up the comfortable lead for Hibernians just before the break. The wing-back cut inside before striking from the edge of the box to find the far corner of the net for the fourth in the 44th minute.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 4 Hibernians
Hibernians returned onto the pitch determined to show their dominance and extend their margin. Joelma Alves Gabriel and Alexis Espitia continued to make good on their partnership, with the American feeding a cross to the Brazilian who placed it low into the net in the 57th minute. Joelma Alves Gabriel was next to tee up Nicole Sciberras who fired home just a minute later for the sixth of the afternoon.
Changes ensued from both sides following the goal, as Ileana Farrugia gave way to Yolande Attard for Hibernians, while Alicia Mifsud replaced Sarah Fenech for Valletta.
Kayleigh Chetcuti got herself on the scoresheet in the 66th minute, teed up by a cut-back from Alexis Espitia, despite a host of Valletta defenders attempting to keep out the effort.
Kenneth Costantino followed it up with a double switch, as Martina Borg took to the field instead of Amy Busuttil in midfield, while Sarah Vella Barberi debuted in Hibernians’ colours in replacement of Chloe Ellul.
The debutant was in on the action from the off, and earned an assist in the 77th minute with a good cross into the box. Alexis Espitia tapped home to complete her hat-trick and Hibernians eighth goal of the afternoon.
Final swaps were made by Kenneth Costantino, giving Elizabeth Harrington an early rest, who was replaced by Maya Muscat, while Amber Galea gave way to Ingrid Psaila in defence. Jean Lopes also made a trio of changes in the final ten minutes, bringing on Hannah Grima in replacement of Laura Muscat, while Kady Zammit and Sara Bonello Ghio also took to the field instead of Ylenia Grech and Sabrin Blihi.
Hibernians closed the score in the final minutes, with a finish from Yolande Attard who fired home into the far right corner of the net from a cross, before Joelma Alves Gabriel wrapped up her hat-trick by converting a cross from Alexis Espitia.
Final Score: Valletta 0 – 10 Hibernians
Standing & Next Matches
The victory ensures that Hibernians keep their place at the top of the table, while Valletta remain on eight points. The Paolites will return on the 13th December against Birkirkara at Dingli Ground, with kick-off set at 16:30. The match presents Hibernians the chance to extend their tally over the defending champions who are closest to them in the table, although the Paolites will have a game in hand.
However, before then, Birkirkara will seek to get their hands on the first trophy of the season, as they face Swieqi United in the Super Cup final this afternoon at the Centenary Stadium, with kick-off set at 14:00.
Valletta will seek to bounce back from their biggest defeat yet against Mtarfa, on Friday 13th of December, at Charles Abela Stadium, with the match starting at 15:00. Mtarfa will head into it following a valiant effort against Lija Athletic, where they succumbed to a 5 – 1 defeat.
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[…] take their tally to nine points, leaping over Valletta who remain on eight points following their defeat to Hibernians. Mtarfa still search for their first points, but will be heartened by the display of the […]