Mgarr Effective To Get The Job Done Against Swieqi

Mgarr United secured a 2 – 0 victory against Swieqi United to level themselves at the top of the table. Severely windy conditions battered the proceedings, but the Greens got it over the line with a brace by Valeria Villegas Caly, while Patricia Ebejer made two crucial saves to deny the Owls. Swieqi United’s woes compound with an injury to Rafanny Mendoza Abache.

Team Selections

Swieqi United’s Patricia Araujo returned in goal, fronted by Jade Schembri, Tammy Falzon, Rafanny Mendoza Abache and Emma Xuereb. Michaela Cachia started in the holding midfield position, with captain Shona Zammit and Sarah Urpani continuing to operate further forward. Andjela Kricak made her return to the Assikura Women’s League starting in the number ten position, orchestrating behind Jade Flask and Salamatu Abdulai.

Patricia Ebejer started in goal for Mgarr United, protected by a back four, with Yanina Mendez and Rebecca Bajada on the flanks, while Leanne Cefai partnered Abigail Camilleri who captained the side. Ann-Marie Said and Amber Grech continued to operate in front of the defence. Yulya Carella started in the number ten position, flanked by Luz Hernandez and Alejandra Villegas Caly. Valeria Villegas Caly led the attack.

How It Unfolded

The match kicked off from the 5th minute, with a strong crosswind that persisted. Swieqi United started the stronger of the two, with Salamatu Abdulai making the dart behind the defence for what appeared to be a certain goal. However, Patricia Ebejer made the crucial block to deny her.

The Mgarr United goalkeeper was called to action once more just two minutes later with Andjela Kricak pulling the strings to pick out Shona Zammit’s run into the box. The skipper lost her marker with one turn to open the space for the shot. However, Patricia Ebejer was well positioned to make the save at a comfortable height.

Mgarr United appeared to struggle to push up the pitch, resorting to long-balls but struggling with the wind factor. On the other hand, passive defending continued to lead to more warning signs as Jade Schembri was allowed to cut into the box. However, reluctant to pull the trigger, she fed Salamatu Abdulai who was ruled offside, but only after Shona Zammit rattled the crossbar with a strike.

However, Swieqi United rued not making effective use of their pressure. Mgarr United started turning better possession as the half hour mark approached, with the side earning a penalty in the 28th minute. Luz Hernandez was brought down cutting into the box for the shot, in a replay of a similar situation to the that decided the match in January.

Patricia Araujo saved the initial strike by Valeria Villegas Caly, but the Colombian was the most lively to fire home the rebound into the net and send the Greens into the lead.

On the front foot, Mgarr United sought to apply more pressure, piling players forward while Swieqi United attempted to regain their composure. However, the Greens failed to make the most of set-pieces.

Swieqi United managed to regain some attacking momentum toward the latter portion of the half, but likewise could not make their set-pieces pay-off to equalise before the break.

Half-Time Score: Swieqi United 0 – 1 Mgarr United

Having the onus shifted on them in the match, the Owls kicked off the second half with a flurry of set-pieces. However, battling three corner kicks against the wind proved futile with Rebecca Bajada conistent to clear at the near post. Andjela Kricak and Jade Flask teased free-kicks toward Patricia Ebejer, but the goalkeeper was concentrated on clutching the ball.

Swieqi United continued having the majority of possession, but Mgarr United held the threat on the counter. Still, Patricia Araujo was relatively untroubled.

At the other end, Patricia Ebejer had the upper hand once more with another crucial save close to the hour mark against Salamatu Abdulai who was released into space.

Referee Adam Brighton was reluctant to produce any bookings, with tackles becoming more sinister as the tensions rose. Rafanny Mendoza Abache proved to have gone into one tackle too many, with the Venezuelan forced off the pitch in the 67th minute. Miriana Conti came on in her stead.

Swieqi United continued getting the majority of set-piece calls, while frustration grew for them as the Greens went into game management mode, taking their time to get to their feet. Shona Zammit and Yulya Carella exchanged words but Adam Brighton refused to intervene too much once more.

However, Mgarr United threatened on transition as the final ten minutes of the match approached. Luz Hernandez was released behind, but found Tammy Falzon ready to make a last and timely tackle to put the ball to safety.

The Owls put one last throw of the dice with a positive spell of open play instigated by Michaela Cachia and Jade Schembri, before switching play to the left wing. However, the final cross into the box was easily dealt with by Patricia Ebejer, also aided by the cross-wind that continued to dampen the pace.

As ample minutes of added time were awarded, Swieqi United threw everyone forward including Patricia Araujo for their final set-piece opportunities, with the final kick of the ball ending in another kick in the teeth. Mgarr United cleared the delivery, finding Valeria Villegas Caly in transition, who sped forward and walked the ball into the empty net to close off the match.

Final Score: Swieqi United 0 – 2 Mgarr United

Standings & Next Matches

Mgarr United level themselves with Swieqi United and Hibernians at the top of the table, with the three teams equal on 39 points, with four matches still to play. Birkirkara follow on 34 points.

Swieqi United will have the shorter turnaround, as they next face Hibernians on Thursday (6th) at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15. Mgarr United will face Birkirkara on Friday (7th) at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30).

Make sure to never miss an Assikura Women’s League match by syncing your calendar here.

Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X