by Hibernians will be facing Mgarr United for the first time since last year’s Knockout final at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. Ryan Vella and Martina Borg reflected on the tight margins which yielded their previous results. Ahead of tonight, Martina Borg discussed new signings, while Vella gave his view on the importance of a trusted centre-back pairing to earn the current solidity in defence.
Tight Margins
Hibernians and Mgarr United will be meeting for the first time since last year’s Assikura Women’s Knockout final. The two sides have had good starts to the campaign, but Hibernians slipped to their first defeat in their previous outing, to defending champions, Swieqi United.
Having lost an early lead to walk away with a 2-1 defeat, Martina Borg was asked for her view on whether she believes itexposed the lack of experience in the side. The Hibernians’ coach replied, “It was our first defeat. Although we took to the pitch with intent on winning the match, the one thing I asked from the players was to try to have a positive performance. I believe that when we do that we can build the consistency and by doing that I believe we can put ourselves in a position to then get the win. Unfortunately in this match those points didn’t come.”
Considering the areas to improve from the match, she continued, “There were some defensive shortcomings, we could have avoided the goals. I think the fact that we scored early actually went a bit against us as well because we maybe were not expecting it and I think we lost our initial momentum.”
However, the Hibernians’ coach found positives in the second half, “We adjusted some things in the second half, and improved our consistency. So, despite not walking away with points, I still believe the team walked away with heads held high. We have a lot of young players on the pitch so I think it was a good match for them to experience as well.”
On the other hand, although Mgarr United conceded a first league goal in the match against Birkirkara, the Greens held on to a 2 – 1 score to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Questioned on whether he doubted the team would walk away with the win, Ryan Vella replied, “Although we didn’t play the best of games, I feel that in the first-half we created enough to kill the game off. Unfortunately then Birkirkara put pressure on us, but apart from a set-piece situation in which we conceded, I feel that the team did its job defensively and we were always a threat on the counter-attack. What matters are the three points and our team did enough to bring them home.”
Forward Threats & Solid Defences
The Paolites announced the arrival of Zambian international Misozi Zulu. Questioned about the expected impact of the thirty-year old, Martina Borg replied, “She’s a very interesting player who brings with her experience from playing with the national team of Zambia. We scouted her during the summer, but of course paperwork takes its time so we had to be patient.”
The Hibernians’ coach confirmed that the Paolites are expecting another addition, but gave no confirmation of the duo’s appearance tonight, “We are also expecting another foreign player to join us but we are also waiting on the paperwork. So, I am unable to confirm their appearance. However, with them we will have completed our four senior foreign players (Cali Schechinger and Natalee Geren*). Though Olivia Nazarko is young and also foreign, I also consider her very promising and very much a part of this squad, so we will rotate as well.”
On the other hand, Ryan Vella has made some tweaks at the back, but has continued to stick with the pairing of Abigail Camilleri and Leanne Cefai in the heart of the defence. Considering the team has thus far conceded just the one goal in the league, Vella was questioned on what in his opinion makes him most secure in having that combination at the back in view of also setting up his team to go forward.
He replied, “Having a trusted centreback-pairing makes life much easier as a coach. Luckily for me, both of them have a lot of experience and they can lead the team from the back. They are an integral part of why the team concedes few goals.”
Are Mgarr Favourites?
The two teams are separated by just three points, but Mgarr United currently hold the upper hand. The two coaches were questioned on their thoughts of whether the Greens go in as favourites considering their unbeaten form in the league and also the fact that they’ve conceded just one goal.
Martina Borg is expecting a tough challenge but backed her squad, “We expect a good challenge, since Mgarr are the only team to be unbeaten thus far. However, our aim is to go into the pitch with the same attitude as the last, to improve on our mistakes and stick to our principles. I think if every player gives her best and sticks to the gameplan, I think we can walk away with points in this match. However, football is unpredictable, in the end what matters is what comes out on the pitch on the day.”
Ryan Vella rejected that his team walk into the match as favourites, “I do not think we’re favorites in this game even though we have a better record. Hibernians are a really good side and they’re showing improvement from last season. It will be a close game. We’re looking forward for another tough battle.”
The two teams will be playing their match under the floodlights at the Centenary Stadium, starting at 20:30.
*Edited for accuracy.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
