by Mgarr United will be returning to action against Valletta this evening at Dingli Ground (18:00). Ryan Vella discussed his views on a six-point lead at the top and the impact of the break as the side heads into the match. Anton Cremona weighed in on decisions to promote and balance the youth and the senior team with a view on development.
A Rewarding Comeback & A Tough Cup Tie
Mgarr United will return to league action from a two week break since they reverted the score to a 3 – 1 victory against Swieqi United to open a six point lead at the top. They will face Valletta from the other end of the table, with the Citizens falling to a big defeat to the same Swieqi United in the Jubilee Cup Preliminary Round last Friday.
Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella was pleased with the way the team responded against the defending champions to ensure their position at the top, “When you comeback against a team of Swieqi’s calibre, it is always a positive thing. The second half performance was really good and at the end of the day we got what we deserved.”
The Mgarr United coach is not letting himself or his team get carried away with the lead that they’ve carved, “The six-point gap doesn’t matter much for now. We need to keep taking everything game by game and try to win as many possible points in our upcoming games.”
Meanwhile, Valletta had a tough time out against Swieqi United in the Jubilee Cup, with the team unable to contain the Owls. Anton Cremona weighed in on the match with wider view, “There a big difference between top teams and we are starting from scratch. Swieqi are pushing to win the league and we are trying to build a team.”
Valletta’s Anton Cremona continues to juggle a cohort of players who are balancing the U21 and the senior league. Coaching both, Cremona has a unique depth in view on both leagues and his squad.
Questioned about the decision to potentially separate players more between the two leagues, in view of the 135 minute rule, he hinted at having to dip further into bringing youngsters simply because of shortage of players, “I want players that play in the league with those who can make it with the seniors, to give them experience and playing time. However, with players injured and players missing, you have to puzzle with the players available.”
Strength, Freshness & Opportunity For Growth
The two have very different objectives for their seasons, with the stronger team coming into it the fresher of the two, but with a loss of momentum in competitive match practice.
Ryan Vella assessed the impact of the break due to the side having a bye into the Jubilee Cup semi-finals ahead of tonight’s match, “There are always pros and cons when you have a week off. Yes the players are fresher and they are eager to go, but at the same time when you win games you want to keep on going and play game after game so you don’t kill the momentum.”
In fact, questioned about squad decisions to face one of the bottom teams, Ryan Vella replied, “It’s important that we find our rhythm again after a week off. However, we’ll always play the players that perform the best in training, while giving time to those players who have been improving week after week.”
Questioned about the approach for tonight’s match, Valletta’s Anton Cremona underlined that his team’s objective in the league is different to that of the Greens. He said, “Yes, we are going to face the strongest team. We will try to avoid losing by a big score. We have to play this game with full concentration and never give up.”
The two teams will conclude this Assikura Women’s League weekend before making way for the international break. The match will be begin at 18:00 and will be played at Dingli Ground.
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
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