by Mgarr United and Birkirkara will complete what has been a dramatic fourth weekend in the Assikura Women’s League this evening at Dingli Ground (20:30). Ryan Vella and Billy Mock discussed the importance of embedding variations in tactical approach in search of points, and the role of individuals rising to the challenge in view of the bearing of tonight’s match on their respective trajectories.
A Strong Second Half & A Team In Rebuilding
It will be a first meet between Mgarr United and Birkirkara with two teams who have had very different starts to the campaign.
Mgarr United head into the match unbeaten, but the team could only find goals in the second half against San Gwann. However, Ryan Vella dismissed any nerves at half-time of the potential outcome of the match on the back of the Super Cup defeat, “To be honest I was quite calm at half-time as I felt that even though we started the game slow and San Gwann pressed us well first twenty minutes, we eventually found our feet and we started playing our game more.”
As to changing the outcome of the second, he continued, “At half-time we pin-pointed certain aspects where we felt could have been better and merit goes to our players as they transmitted what we planned to the pitch to perfection in the second half.”
On the other hand, Birkirkara weighed in on the realities of a fresh-faced team battling the defending champions, “We knew that we were playing against the current champions. It took twenty minutes for our team to settle down and start believing. In fact, we came close to snatch the equaliser on more than one occasion. We even missed a penalty one minute away from half-time.”
He finished, “Both teams had their changes, but Swieqi managed to score the only goal in the game. I was happy that at least we created some good opportunities in front of the Swieqi goal.”
Tactical & Individual Growth
Mgarr United’s bright start certainly gives the team confidence as they attempt to build on last year’s maiden trophy in search of a first league title. The side was extremely effective from set-pieces against the Yellows, with the full-backs also playing a crucial part, giving different dynamics to the competition.
Questioned whether the he believes such variation is necessary to earn the trophy, Ryan Vella weighed in on the efforts behind the scenes, “We work a lot on set pieces. We feel that in a close game, a corner can be the difference between winning or losing a match. So far we have a good record from scoring in set plays and we’re defending them well as well. Our full-backs play a key role as they have good offensive attributes and are full of energy. Usually our plan for them will depend on the opponent we play against.”
Meanwhile, Birkirkara deployed two new faces in their squad against Swieqi United in Momo Ueda and Sekura Haruhi. Noting that the opening match only gave a glimpse of what the two could potentially offer, the Birkirkara coach was questioned on how he believes the two could contribute to the side.
Billy Mock replied, “We are satisfied with both players. Haruhi had a delicate role to mark the dangerous (Salamatu) Abdulai. Abdulai found it difficult to take on Haruhi on several one-against-one duals as our defender was very solid when defending. Momo was all over. She still has to show her real potential. And anyone can miss a penalty, too.”
Early Days In A Campaign But One That Could Be Pivotal
Swieqi United’s victory against Hibernians yesterday evening creates an opportunity for Mgarr United to create a first gap at the top ahead of the final match of the round. However, they will face a Birkirkara side who on their part will want to at the very least avoid defeat in search of avoiding a nine point gap to the top.
Questioned on whether he believes his team has the ability to break down Birkirkara should they opt for a counter-attacking approach at the confines of Dingli Ground, Ryan Vella replied, “So far Birkirkara showed some different tactical approaches regarding how they press and defend. We’ll prepare the team for all possible scenarios. We have full faith and confidence in our players that they can make a difference when it matters most.”
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Billy Mock’s response to the current trajectory of the team was, “We only lost to two established and strong teams with just a one goal deficit. We are also introducing young players from our U21 team. But unfortunately, they just turned 16 or 17 recently. Introducing young players is plan ‘B’. It’s a long-term plan, and we have the material to do so, too.”
As to the importance of avoiding defeat and consideration of a counter-attacking approach, he said, “In football, one can score from pressing high, build-up play, set-plays, and yes counter attacks, too. We train all possible game related actions to try to score. But I feel that if we go down with the right mentality, we can surprise any team.”
The two teams will kick off at 20:30 at Dingli Ground.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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