Hibernians Scrape Past San Gwann With Late Goal

Hibernians managed to return to winning ways after triumphing over San Gwann with a late goal from Alexis Espitia. Martina Borg also hit the post with an effort from the penalty spot.

Team Selections

Justyne Caruana started in goal for San Gwann. She was protected by five-player defence with captain Annabelle Rapa slotting in the centre between Martina Schembri and Kirstie Vella. Nilayza Attard and Thresa Scicluna flanked the three centre-backs. Fatma Al Girbi, Andjela Kricak and Chaimaa Tourki occupied the midfield, while Shania Gheiti and Francesca Zarb led the line.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Galea was preferred in goal for Hibernians. Amy Busuttil and Natalee Geren continued their partnership in the centre of defence, while Chloe Ellul retained her position at right-back. Sarah Urpani was shifted to the left-back role in the absence of Alessia Caschetto. Keith Gouder also made a change in midfield, partnering Nicole Sciberras with Federica Zahra. Yolande Attard was also given the nod on the left wing, while Martina Borg, Alexis Espitia and Leah Ayres retained their positions in the forward line.

Lacklustre Half

Hibernians attempted to exert their dominance but seemed to struggle to get onto the same wavelength at times, with almost passes being played just ahead or behind a timed run. It led to a frustrating and somewhat nervous afternoon for the Paolites. On the other hand, for San Gwann a back-five meant that they were largely focused on being as compact as possible, while clearly aware of the pace and physicality of the Paolites’ forward line.

Despite a disjointed opening half, Hibernians managed a number of shots early on with Alexis Espitia, Leah Ayres and Nicole Sciberras all unleashing strikes. San Gwann’s aggressive style of play handed the Paolites a number of free-kicks, but these too proved frustrating. A quarter of an hour in, Chloe Ellul delivered toward the box but Alexis Espitia and Leah Ayres got in each other’s way, with neither able to get the shot away. A minute later Sarah Urpani struck another free-kick directly, but it scraped the roof of the net. Alexis Espitia was also left fuming at a refereeing call after she felt she was fouled in the box in the same span of time, but the officials dismissed the claim.

At the other end, San Gwann managed to find a few moments to get themselves up the pitch, also winning a few set-pieces. However, they found playmaking efforts often intercepted by the Hibernians defensive partnership. Despite this, there was good link-up play between Andjela Kricak and Chaimaa Tourki. The latter managed to strike from the edge of the penalty area forcing a save from Jennifer Galea around the fortieth minute.

Meanwhile, as time wore on Martina Borg and Nicole Sciberras attempted to cajole Hibernians into cutting out the unforced errors and tighten up the play. Despite this, more chances flew past with easy pickings for Justyne Caruana. One of the better chances saw Leah Ayres cross toward Nicole Sciberras who managed to head it goalward but Justyne Caruana was well positioned to collect. Three minutes from half-time, Natalee Geren swung a free-kick from the right wing toward Sarah Urpani, but her effort crept just wide of the post.

Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 0 Hibernians

Penalty Missed

Keith Gouder made one change at the break bringing on Kayleigh Chetcuti in replacement of Federica Zahra. Hibernians attempted to get themselves running and Leah Ayres set up Martina Borg for a strike five minutes into the half, but she too saw her effort curve wide of the goal.

Julian Camilleri looked to his bench in the 55th minute, bringing on Kya Veronique Mamo in replacement of Francesca Zarb, with the former slotting on the left wing. The Paolites appeared to have struck gold once more a few minutes later after Leah Ayres dribbled past the goalkeeper, but she could not direct the ball goalward from the tight angle.

As time wore on, the temperature kept rising across the pitch, with Julian Camilleri landing himself in hot water with the officials and getting booked for questioning the referees’ decisions.

Meanwhile, Shania Gheiti was catching more than a bit of attention for her aggressive play which prompted numerous complaints from Hibernians. She landed herself in the book after an hour of play. Unfortunately, her evening ended shortly after as the striker took a knock. She was replaced by Aaliyah Fiteni who slotted on the right wing, while Chaimaa Tourki occupied the central role. Keith Gouder also brought on Nyorah Celeste in replacement of Yolande Attard, with Alexis Espitia switching wings in the process.

The game appeared to find its critical moment with eight minutes to go, as Alexis Espitia clattered against the side netting of the ground following a foul in the box which prompted the referee to point to the spot. However, Martina Borg’s effort clipped the post and the ball flew across the goal, denying Hibernians their opening goal once more, with time running out.

Despite this, the team in black kept up the intensity of attacks. Nicole Sciberras came close three minutes later but she too saw her effort lack the necessary intensity to curl into the net.

Relief

The goal finally emerged a minute later when Kayleigh Chetcuti delivered a ball into the box from the right wing. Alexis Espitia who was lurking in the box fought off two of San Gwann’s defenders, and managed to still stick out a boot to lob the goalkeeper while being taken down inside the box. However, after having seen so many shots fly just off target, the lob finally nestled into the corner of the net, to the relief of those in black and the dismay of San Gwann who saw their hopes of a point dashed in the final minutes.

San Gwann had an opportunity to cause trouble from a set-piece but although Fatma Al Girbi delivered a good ball into the box, Jennifer Galea made it hers. Keith Gouder made one final substitution late on, giving Martina Cortis a few minutes in replacement of Leah Ayres. Kayleigh Chetcuti and Alexis Espitia almost combined once more from a corner late on but the striker was unable to sort out her feet in time for the shot.

Having had its fair share of controversy, the game finished in the same way as San Gwann’s goalkeeper’s coach, Danilo Sgroi, also had his name taken after the final whistle for his complaints aimed at the referee.

Full-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 1 Hibernians

International Break & Next Matches

The win ensures that Hibernians hold on to second place for now while Birkirkara have two matches in hand. On the other hand, San Gwann are unable to set themselves ahead on points from Lija Athletic, who are tied at four points following their victory over Mtarfa on Friday.

The Assikura Women’s League will return in November following the international window, which will mark a return of the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Hibernians will return with an encounter against Mtarfa on Saturday the 4th of November. Meanwhile, San Gwann will next face Valletta on the same day.

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