by Hibernians will meet Mtarfa at 15:30 in Dingli Ground, following the encounter between Lija Athletic & Swieqi United (13:00). Keith Gouder’s team seek to end their first round with another victory to keep the pressure on their title rivals. For Simon Spiteri’s side it presents a fresh opportunity to attain their first points and change the course of their season.
Building The Next Steps
Hibernians have put themselves in a good position as they head into the upcoming encounter. Keith Gouder’s side sit just one point below current leaders Mgarr United, with the latter facing the defending champions, Birkirkara, later at Mgarr Ground.
Although managing to find wins, Hibernians struggled in their final outing before the break, where they snatched a late win against San Gwann. Keith Gouder rejected the idea that fatigue had anything to do with the result, replying, “I do not think it was a fatigue issue, at least not physical. It was more of a game where we couldn’t take advantage from the opportunities created. The missed penalty didn’t help the cause, but I was glad to see that the players kept on fighting and creating opportunities until the final whistle, which resulted in the three points.”
On the other hand, Mtarfa found themselves in the exact opposite position in their final confrontation before the break against Lija Athletic. Hopes of first points ebbed away after suffering a penalty, which was consolidated by a late goal by Lija Athletic.
Considering the difficult situation they find themselves in and the inexperience of the squad, Mtarfa’s Simon Spiteri was probed on whether he thinks improvement lies in changing the approach or if it is more about having the belief to put into practice in games. Spiteri weighed in, “We are working to improve our performance, however results are not helping. The team is currently suffering from moral and we are mentally blocked. If we keep supporting these young players I am sure results will follow.”
Match Expectations
Considering that Mtarfa find themselves struggling at the bottom of the table and yet to grab their first point, Hibernians go into the match favourites for the win.
Probed about the motivation for a win that could see them go in second or even first, depending on the result between Mgarr United and Birkirkara, Gouder replied, “We are heading into the match knowing that we need to up our game. In these types of games we need to be more clinical in front of goal and have the right mind set to overcome any problematic situations that arise. But yes, its extra motivation knowing that if we win and Mgarr drop points we will overtake them and end the first round as at least second-placed.”
Simon Spiteri is under no illusion of the strength of the opposition either. Questioned whether the fact that the Paolites have struggled to score against the likes of Lija Athletic and San Gwann provides a window of opportunity he said, “Hibernians are strong opponent. The table does not lie and the difference between both teams is big. We treat each match and opponent the same and I am sure once again we will try our best too.”
The match begins at 15:30 at Dingli Ground, following the encounter between Lija Athletic and Swieqi United (13:00). Meanwhile, Valletta will be hosting San Gwann at Mgarr Ground (14:00), which will be followed by the clash between Mgarr United and Birkirkara (16:30). All tickets may be purchased at the doors.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Dorienne Grech
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