by San Gwann and Lija Athletic will meet for a potentially deciding clash in the Assikura Women’s League at 14:00 (Mgarr Ground). Julian Camilleri & Jethron Azzopardi provided their thoughts on proceedings as San Gwann head into the match seeking points to secure second place in the group, while Lija Athletic will be keen for a victory to maintain the possibility of equalling their rivals.
Going Through The Motions
San Gwann and Lija Athletic’s meet today will be a crucial one in potentially deciding the second place of the Bottom Four group of the Assikura Women’s League. The two teams have displayed some enthralling encounters over the season and this afternoon may take things up a notch as San Gwann will attempt to secure the place against their direct rivals. On their part, Lija Athletic will need the three points to have a chance at levelling the points with the Yellows on the final matchday.
San Gwann head into it following a 1-0 victory over Mtarfa, which though grabs the three points, perhaps doesn’t fully represent the good opportunities the team created.
Probed about this in view of the match, Julian Camilleri nodded to the progress of the team, while acknowledging the steps ahead, “We are trying to build a system of how we want to play, and this is something that is a process for us. We have improved in our possession. However, we must tackle things step by step, there are no quick fixes. It’s true that we must become better at taking our chances, but I am still happy with the overall performance in the match.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic faced the group leaders Valletta in a match where the team missed out on the points by conceding just the one goal. Lija took to the match with a changed approach and appeared to gain a footing in the first half, but could not capitalise.
Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi provided a measured view of the match, “We wanted to contain Valletta’s attacking force and hit on the counter, and were successful until we conceded the first goal. On the whole, I am satisfied with the performance. The players did a good job.”
Injury Update
A glaring miss for San Gwann against Mtarfa was their Serbian playmaker Andjela Kricak, who Julian Camilleri confirmed is working her way back from a concussion sustained against Valletta.
On the other hand, Chaimaa Tourki shone against Mtarfa and Camilleri praised the Moroccan’s determination to grow, “Chaimaa has made huge strides. I’ve changed her positions multiple times and this has helped her to understand the game more, which has translated into better movements.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic’s already small squad had its own misses during the match in the likes of Leanne Micallef, as well as the continuous absence of Amy Galea Gingell. Rachel Mifsud also appeared worse for wear and was in fact given an early rest. The coach provided a positive update on Mifsud and Micallef, “Both Rachel and Leanne are fit to play today.” As regards, Galea Gingell, he noted, “Amy is still recovering from injury.”
Asked about the difficulty in maintaining the pressure on San Gwann, considering the limited size of the squad, Azzopardi replied, “It isn’t easy for us to keep up with such teams, but we held up well.”
The Fight For Second
San Gwann head into the fixture leading the head-to-head ratio by 2-1, with the other encounter being a draw. Julian Camilleri made absolutely clear the importance of securing the three points, “Our target remains to get the three points. It is extremely important to not take anything fore-granted and to fight for every single ball. We must keep playing as we have been training.”
Questioned about the importance of support from those in the stands, Julian Camilleri nodded to those who have supported the team but acknowledged that increased support will flow as the team climbs in the table, “Our supporters are always a boost for our players. However, I think we still have work to do toward showing our true potential, and to keep progressing to attract more supporters who will be able to see our growth.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic is heading into the final throes of the league keen on pushing for more growth, knowing that the Assikura Women’s Knockout quarter-final tie will see them face the league champions, Birkirkara. “With the draw of the Knockout competition, the girls are motivated to play against Birkirkara. They are pushing in training and against Valletta they showed that there is still fire in them for a last fight.”, said Azzopardi.
Speaking about the immediate encounter against San Gwann, Azzopardi is of the belief that the match could go either way, “Against San Gwann is a 50/50 game. The better team on the day is the one who wins. This time it will be a battle for the second place, surely it will be interesting to watch.”
The team has been backed core group of supporters throughout the season, who though limited in numbers will continue to make their voices heard in search of willing their team towards their targets.
The two teams kick-off today’s double-header at Mgarr Ground at 14:00. Their match will be followed by another heated battle between Mgarr United and Hibernians, from the Top Four group (16:30).
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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