by The Assikura Women’s League weekend will open with tonight’s encounter between Hibernians and Lija Athletic. The two teams come into the match following a draw against Mgarr United and San Gwann, respectively. Read what the coaches had to say and some key points ahead of tonight’s kick-off.
Key Points
Hibernians will look to get back to winning ways following their draw against Mgarr United last Saturday. Keith Gouder will hope that his front line keeps up the great link up play and finishing in front of goal as they seek three points against the newcomers. Leah Ayres will be an obvious name to look for following her hattrick against Mgarr United last week. However, perhaps the critical factor to consider is her quick integration within the partnerships that were established within the team last year. This includes those between the midfield trio of Kayleigh Chetcuti, Nicole Sciberras and Sarah Urpani, as well as that between Alexis Espitia and captain Martina Borg.
However, Jethron Azzopardi’s Lija Athletic will have an extra spring in their step having secured their first point against San Gwann. There are a few players who will be coming up against their former team and so will particularly want to have a good showing, including Edera Marmara’ and Shakira Bugeja. However, the team will need to pull together to thwart the Paolites who will want nothing other than three points.
Coaches Have Their Say
Hibernians’ coach Keith Gouder was questioned on the team’s expectations against Lija Athletic, in view of the latter earning their first points last week. Gouder said, “Every game has its own story and every opponent will try to battle for a win, so Lija will try to do that in their own capacity. Even though we had a very good performance last week, tomorrow is a new game so we need to be at our best to win the game and bag the three points to stay on track to secure a top-four finish.”
Considering the fact that Hibernians have often looked to unleash the pace of their forwards to get behind defences, Gouder was probed about any concern should Lija Athletic attempt a low defensive block. The coach was confident in the team’s ability to find a way saying, “We must take advantage of any situation given to us. In our first match this season, Valletta opted for a low block, but the team still managed to find the net. So again, against Lija, we need to make the best of the possession we will have and take advantage of the situation irrespective where it will be on the pitch. It is important that we do not get careless and complacent.”
Probed about goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj, the coach said the team is awaiting further results to determine the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, the coach was also asked about the services of Emma Zammit to the team and the football scene, after she decided to hang up the boots in pursuit of other projects. Gouder praised her commitment to the team in their return last season noting, “On the field she always tried to give everything. In the last season she managed to win a regular place and ended the season on a high. From here I would like to wish her all the best for her future plans.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi made clear that they are under no illusion of the strength’s opposition. He said, “We were close to getting our first three points (last week), but certain decisions affected the result. Hibs are a strong side as shown in their recent games and it will be a different game from San Gwann.”
Considering that the Centenary Stadium is a bigger pitch than that of Dingli Ground, Azzopardi was questioned about any effects that this may have on the team’s ability to stay compact at the back. He agreed it presents a different challenge, “It makes it difficult to defend strong teams, but we will try our best to adapt our game and try to get the best result from it.”
The match will begin at 20:45 at the Centenary Stadium.
Lead Images: Lija Athletic FC / Hibernians FC
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