by Mgarr United secured all three points with a blistering second-half to win by 4 – 0 against San Gwann and maintain a perfect record in the league. Luz Hernandez grabbed the match ball, before Valeria Villegas Caly wrapped up the score late on.
Team Selections
Geona Mari Muscat started in goal for San Gwann. Naomi Blundell and Sabrin Blihi partnered each other in defence. Rabab Mhalli made a return to San Gwann colours, starting on the left flank, while Rhea Borg held up the right. Chaimaa Tourki also marked a return in midfield from the off, accompanying captain Annabelle Rapa and Morena Fanega. Rodianne Zerafa and Kirsty Paris supported Hailey Russell in attack.
Meanwhile, Mgarr United’s Giulia D’Antuono continued her stay in goal behind an unchanged defence in Yanina Mendez, captain Abigail Camilleri, Leanne Cefai and Rebecca Bajada. Gaia Antonelli made a start for Mgarr alongside Maia Debono, while Amber Grech operated further forward. Valeria Villegas Caly and Luz Hernandez occupied the space on the wings, while Ines N’Guessan led the attack.
How It Unfolded
Mgarr United started the match exactly with the intensity of a side looking to push past a disappointing final with a positive response, while San Gwann were acutely aware of what to expect. Luz Hernandez almost sent the Greens ahead inside the opening minute, latching onto a ground square pass from Valeria Villegas Caly and letting fly from distance. However, the Argentinian was denied by the post.
San Gwann responded with a few opportunities of their own but unable to trouble the Greens from pressure rising following a corner kick. Kirsty Paris was looking to fire from open play in the 3rd minute, but Rebecca Bajada was quick to dispossess to deny the opportunity.
The Greens’ celebrations of an opener were cut short in the tenth minute by the offside flag. Gaia Antonelli picked out the overlapping run of Rebecca Bajada. However, Bajada’s shot from the inward run was blocked, before Luz Hernandez’ rebound was cancelled by the flag.
Mgarr United were applying a high press to good effect, denying San Gwann from getting their forward line into play, although Chaimaa Tourki and Morena Fanega both attempted to make individual inroads.
The pattern of play developed with San Gwann picking a handful of opportunities against the inflow of attacks from Mgarr United. The Greens were working the diagonals to good effect, with Rebecca Bajada and Yanina Mendez both key in overpowering the wings with numbers, while San Gwann were all hands to the pump in search of clearing the pressure in the box. Gaia Antonelli also tested Geona Muscat from distance, but the goalkeeper reacted well to the central effort.
The offside flag continued to frustrate the Greens, with the side walking into the dressing room the less happier of the two in a deadlocked state.
Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 0 Mgarr United
The two starting elevens walked onto the pitch for the second and the match restarted in a similar vein. However, Mgarr made the pressure pay off for the opener in the 51st minute. Luz Hernandez chested down a deep cross from Rebecca Bajada, before firing across the face of goal to find the bottom left corner of the net from the central area just inside the box.
San Gwann attempted an immediate response with Rodianne Zerafa cutting inside for a long-range effort, but it was easy pickings for Giulia D’Antuono. The Yellows had a true opportunity to equalise in the 55th minute from a free-kick lined up just outside the box. Hailey Russell kept the effort on target, but the height was comfortable for Giulia D’Antuono once more.
Mgarr United punished with further damage to the score on the hour mark. Yanina Mendez’ initial corner delivery was headed by San Gwann, but the clearance was ineffective. Luz Hernandez pounced to lace the powered finish into the centre of net to sent her side two up.
Both coaches responded with a change apiece as Gaia Antonelli gave way for Kayah Abela Sciberras for Mgarr, while Fatma Al Girbi replaced Sabrin Blihi.
The Greens almost managed to make it three from another corner shortly after, piling numbers into the six-yard box. However, Ines N’Guessan’s finish was just wide of the mark. They sought for more, with Geona Musct worked by long-range efforts from both Valeria Villegas Caly and Amber Grech.
Hailey Russell grew an increasingly lonely figure for San Gwann up top as they sought to contain the score. Lisa Vella was brought on to bolster the defence in the 70th minute, with Rodianne Zerafa making way.
However, Mgarr United piled on for the third from another corner kick just three minutes later. Valeria Villegas Caly helped on Yanina Mendez’ delivery, before Luz Hernandez finished it off from the six-yard box.
With a strong hold on the margin, Maia Debono tried her luck from distance, but it fizzed over the bar. Ryan Vella made final changes with Patricia Ebejer taking to the pitch to protect the clean sheet, while Ines N’Guessan also made way for Milena Stagno. Rebecca Bajada and Abigail Camilleri also made way for Ylenia Debono and Maria Mizzi late on.
The Greens had one final celebration, with San Gwann paying dearly for a short free-kick. Luz Hernandez made the initial headed clearance. Amber Grech helped it on forward from midfield, with Valeria Villegas Caly a willing runner to overtake her marker. Cutting inside, the Colombian fired into the far side of the net for the fourth and final goal in the 87th minute.
Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 4 Mgarr United
Standings & Next Matches
Mgarr United maintain their perfect league start, maximising points and ensuring an unbeaten defence. San Gwann continue to seek their first points of the season.
The Greens will hope to utilise their momentum as they next face Birkirkara on Saturday at 20:30 at Charles Abela Stadium. The Stripes will come into it on back-to-back defeats at the hands of Hibernians and Swieqi United. Meanwhile, San Gwann will prepare to take on Valletta on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30.
Tonight presents the final league match of the weekend, as Hibernians take on Valletta at 20:30 at Dingli Ground.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image:Â Brandon BonettÂ
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
