by Mgarr United secured a 1 – 0 victory over Hibernians to end their first round with a five win streak. A belter by Amber Grech gave the Greens an early lead, with the side effective in game management to see it through.
Team Selections
Giulia D’Antuono started behind the trusted defence of Rebecca Bajada, Leanne Cefai, captain Abigail Camilleri and Yanina Mendez. Maia Debono and Amber Grech started in front of the defence. Yulya Carella returned from suspension on the left wing, while Valeria Villegas Caly shifted to the right. Alejandra Villegas Caly supported Luz Hernandez in attack.
Maya Cachia continued her stay in goal for Hibernians. Jessica Dimech and Georgiana Mifsud started in their centre-back partnership, with Amber Galea and Calista Schechinger starting on the wings. Captain Nicole Sciberras and Natalee Geren were unchanged in midfield, with Olivia Nazarko starting in the number ten position. Sarah Vella Barberi and Kayleigh Chetcuti started on the flanks, while Nyorah Celeste led the attack.
How It Unfolded
It was a lightning start from the Greens. Amber Grech needed only four minutes to win the ball in midfield and laser a shot into the top right corner of the goal from just outside the box, before running off in celebration.
The side pushed up in the hope of pressing a second, but luck was not on their side from a ricocheted clearance for Hibernians.
The Paolites regained composure and started to turn the cogs in possession as the ten minute mark approached. Pushed high up the pitch, Olivia Nazarko and Nyorah Celeste were perched at the edge of the penalty box in search of being the next to pressure the Greens into a mistake as they sought to play out.
Once in possession, Calista Schechinger was the most dangerous for the side. Often ready to speed up into attack, Kayleigh Chetcuti was doing a good job to take her marker, leaving the American in plenty of space. However, the right-footed efforts did not trouble Giulia D’Antuono with the accuracy.
With the early lead in place, the Greens were in game management mode, focused on maintaining shape and seeking to break in transition, with one eye on earning themselves a cheap decision from the officials. Huseyin Baykus was having none of it, as Valeria Villegas Caly dropped to the floor in the box with a brush against Calista Schechinger, before dishing out a booking for simulation against Alejandra Villegas Caly within the 24th minute.
However, the side did manage to earn the chance to whip the ball into the box. Rebecca Bajada pushed up on the wing, winning the foul against Calista Schechinger. However, Yanina Mendez’ delivery was cleared by Jessica Dimech, before Maya Cachia parried the resulting effort from Amber Grech.
The Paolites continued holding the majority of possession, but struggling to truly threaten the goal. Giulia D’Antuono anticipated a shot from Kayleigh Chetcuti, before also gathering a corner delivery late on.
The best opportunity arrived from a free-kick which Natalee Geren delivered deep at the far post for Jessica Dimech. The defender rose well to connect, but could only find the side netting from the tight angle.
Half-Time Score: Hibernians 0 – 1 Mgarr United
Hibernians’ Martina Borg shuffled the pack at the break. Olivia Nazarko was replaced by Suzanne Farrugia Sacco. Kayleigh Chetcuti and Sarah Vella Barberi both gave way to Alanah Ghio and Leah Ayres. Ghio slotted in midfield, with Natalee Geren shifting to defence, while Leah Ayres spearheaded the attack. Nyorah Celeste and Calista Schechinger were trusted in the wide forward roles, while Georgiana Mifsud shifted to left back.
The substitutes injected energy into Hibernians, with Leah Ayres winning the ball against the Mgarr United defence on two occasions early on. However, the Paolites needed to find the combinations in the final third if inclined for the comeback. A corner delivery from Suzanne Farrugia Sacco was flicked by Natalee Geren, but Giulia D’Antuono continued to gather unchallenged.
At the other end, Mgarr United were largely quiet, but picking an opportunity here and there. Valeria Villegas Caly’s shot was met by strong gloves from Maya Cachia in the 64th minute. Frustration grew for the Greens as Huseyin Baykus was not inclined to play the advantage, with the side forced to give up another break shortly after.
Yolande Attard took to the pitch instead of Amber Galea in the 66th minute with further changes made by both sides in the final quarter of an hour. Ileana Farrugia replaced Nicole Sciberras, with Natalee Geren taking the captain’s armband. The change triggered another set of rotations with Geren trusted back into midfield, while Ileana Farrugia slotted on the right wing. Kayah Abela Sciberras also made an appearance instead of Alejandra Villegas Caly.
The match continued in lukewarm fashion. Mgarr United were largely comfortable, with Hibernians struggling to really make in-roads in attack that would jolt any real pressure on the Greens.
Martina Borg was attempting to inject some urgency into her side as the final ten minutes approached. However, an attempt to counter was stopped in its tracks by Leanne Cefai. Natalee Geren delivered a free-kick into the box which was met by a rising Nyorah Celeste. However, she couldn’t direct the header goalward.
Mgarr United responded with their best created opportunity, working the ball from the back out wide, Yulya Carella beat her marker to dive centrally and carry forward. Luz Hernandez made the run in support on the wing, before delivering the cross onto Valeria Villegas Caly’s head. However, the Colombian could only find the side-netting.
Natalee Geren was happy to take the card as normal time expired, making the tactical foul with Mgarr inching a few more minutes from the match. The corner flag was their target following a tackle from Yolande Attard to deny Luz Hernandez the space for the shot.
Still the Paolites had a final chance in search of an exciting end. However, Abigail Camilleri was well placed to intercept an attempt from Leah Ayres to sneak Nyorah Celeste behind, before Giulia D’Antuono collected a final corner kick delivery to the roar of those in the Greens’ supporting corner.
Final Score: Hibernians 0 – 1 Mgarr United
Matches & Standings
The Greens make it a five win streak in the league to end their first round with maximum points. They will next face Swieqi United on Thursday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30.
Hibernians suffer their second consecutive defeat and will look to bounce back against San Gwann on Saturday at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00.
However, before then, tonight will present the fixture between San Gwann & Birkirkara at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30). The two are just separated by two points. Tomorrow will pit Swieqi United against Valletta at Dingli Ground (19:00).
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Maraya Gauci
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