by Lija Athletic and San Gwann could not be separated at the ninety, ending in a 1 – 1 draw. Hailey Russell and Edera Marmara’ scored the goals for the sides in the opening half. Elsewhere, Mtarfa claimed a first point in their season with a goalless draw against Valletta.
Team Selections
Isabel Sanchez continued guarding Lija Athletic’s goalposts. Jethron Azzopardi deployed a trio in defence with Sarah Micallef flanked by captain Rachel Mifsud and Ilona Sultana. Milena Stagno and Shakira Bugeja operated as wing-backs, while the Laury Carrasco Gonzalez, Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez and Vanessa Honorio Carneiro brought technique in midfield. Leanne Micallef and Edera Marmara’ spearheaded the attack.
Justyne Caruana returned in San Gwann’s goal, behind the quartet of Kirstie Vella, Mariama Kasim, Nanako Kobayashi and Naomi Blundell. Fatma Al Girbi operated in front of the defence, with captain Annabelle Rapa and Martina Schembri operating further forward. Hailey Russell led the attack, flanked by Chaimaa Tourki and Yasmin Attard.
How It Unfolded
San Gwann appeared unfazed by the change in approach from Lija Athletic, with the team in Yellow steadily looking to make their mark. Fatma Al Girbi had the first opportunity to strike from a dead ball eight minutes into it but it lacked the pace to trouble Isabel Sanchez.
Although promising until the half-way line, Lija Athletic appeared to struggle to breach the defence early on. On the other hand, San Gwann made a splitting attack which put a few on edge as the side built from defence out onto the right wing. Annabelle Rapa moved into space to receive from Chaimaa Tourki, with the captain taking on her player before cutting back to Hailey Russell who provided support. Switching play to Yasmin Attard had alarm bells ringing, but she couldn’t keep the effort down.
The team in Yellow thought to try their luck from distance, with Martina Schembri and Annabelle Rapa both working Isabel Sanchez to different effects. However, Hailey Russell delivered the bullet once more in the 20th minute. The effort from outside the box flew into the top right corner in a picture so often seen this season to break the deadlock.
However, it did not take long for Lija Athletic to respond. Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez won the corner kick against Mariam Kasim. Shakira Bugeja continued being reliable with the delivery and although San Gwann were first to the ball, the clearance was not effective. Edera Marmara’ was first to react to the loose ball, firing with power to find the back of the net from close range to level the score in the 25th minute.
Jethron Azzopardi urged his team to use the momentum to get more from the match, while Julian Camilleri continued being animated to find ways to send his team back into the lead.
Fatma Al Girbi fired another free-kick from distance but could not hit the target. On the other hand, Annabelle Rapa rose to meet a corner delivery but Isabel Sanchez was favourite against the tight angle, despite the power on the header.
Lija Athletic strung better possession as the half-hour mark expired, with a good build up on the left wing. Milena Stagno was involved with Edera Marmara’ and Leanne Micallef joining the mix. However, the final ball to release Edera Marmara’ allowed Justyne Caruana to snuff out the danger.
On his part, referee Denis Kadri was keen on letting play flow, playing a good advantage for Lija Athletic to continue an attack moments before the end of the half. However, Mariama Kasim was alert to the danger. Hailey Russell threatened from the other end but could only hit the side netting.
Jethron Azzopardi made a switch at half-time, swapping the positions of Edera Marmara’ and Vanessa Honorio Carneiro.
However, it was San Gwann who had the first big opportunity. Hailey Russell squared it to Chaimaa Tourki who beat three players to dive into the box. She fired with her left but Isabel Sanchez did enough to keep it out on the line. Shakira Bugeja responded with a free-kick that rattled the crossbar.
Changes were made by both coaches as the half wore on. Lorna-Maria Cassar and Lisa Calleja took to the pitch instead of Rachel Mifsud and Edera Marmara’ for Lija Athletic just before the hour mark. Ulani Belkis and Phoebe Camilleri made late appearances instead of Ilona Sultana and Leanne Micallef.
Meanwhile, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri brought on Shania Gheiti and Jeanelle Falzon instead of Yasmin Attard and Martina Schembri. Annabelle Rapa also made way to Nilayza Attard late on.
The match opened up as the end approached, with both sides looking to sneak the winning goal. San Gwann were more threathening on the counter attack, with Nanako Kobayashi & Annabelle Rapa also joining the mix in attack. At the other end, there was good intent from Lija Athletic, but often lacked the incision and high rate of play to threaten. Both goalkeepers came out on top against shots from distance.
Final Score: Lija Athletic 1 – 1 San Gwann
Standings & Final League Match
The two teams share the points, while elsewhere Mtarfa also gained the first point of the season in a goalless draw against Valletta.
San Gwann will play their final league match against Valletta, while Mtarfa will face Lija Athletic. Valletta lead Lija Athletic by two points, meaning that the two could still swap places in second and third of the Bottom Four depending on the final matchday. Exact fixtures still to be released.
However, before then this Saturday will present the Top Four clashes which could conclude the title race if Swieqi United draw or win against Birkirkara. The match will be played at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00. Should things not conclude, Hibernians and Mgarr United will be primed to make a last run for it as they meet following that match at 16:30 in the same ground.
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