Mgarr Pushing To Reel In Gap-Seeking Hibernians

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Mgarr United and Hibernians will be concluding today’s Top Four double-header at Dingli Ground, starting at 16:30. Ryan Vella and Kenneth Costantino spoke of their recent results, while discussing linkage and balance within their teams. Tightly poised, three points could enable Hibernians to break away from Mgarr, but the Greens have the upper hand in duels this season.

Finding The Balance

Mgarr United go into the fixture following back to back matches against Swieqi United, where they gained four from six points. However, the side struggled to find goals in the two, with the first victory coming courtesy of a penalty, while last week’s encounter ended in a goalless draw.

Questioned about compromising between no points and a draw, Ryan Vella gave his assessment of the match. “⁠We always go out to win every match. We had a slow start in the first half, but then we grew into the game, especially in the second half where we had more possession and pressed better as a unit. Unfortunately we didn’t create enough to win the match. On the other hand, we had another good defensive performance.”

Opting to look at things from a glass half-full perspective, he finished, “We look to build on the point gained and seek to improve on the things that didn’t work out well last match.”

Meanwhile, Hibernians appeared to be cruising against Birkirkara at half time, holding a 3 – 0 lead. However, the side suffered three goals in the second half to win by 4 – 3. However, Kenneth Costantino did not appear keen to simplify the story of the match to a tale of two halves.

Detailing the ongoings of the match he said, “At face value it might seem a tale of two halves. However, when analysing the match one could see that Birkirkara started strongly and could have taken the lead. Being honest, it was a first for Georgiana (Mifsud), and both Natalee (Geren) and Jessica (Dimech) were still recovering from illness. When we settled in we immediately took advantage of the spaces.”

Speaking of the second half, Costantino credited the champions’ resolve, while also adopting a team stance on the result, “With a 4-0 advantage the players let down their guard and Birkirkara kept pushing. It’s also an important lesson for the team. Yet, I do not consider the goals as being fault of the players who came on. Personally, I could have made a tactical change to kill off the game.”

On Exploiting Links & Balancing Teams

Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella has deployed Amber Grech and Maia Debono in a partnership in midfield in recent matches, with the coach questioned about whether he believes a two-piece midfield is necessary to balance the team’s attack and defence.

Considering the squad depth and seasonal history he began, “Unfortunately for us, Veronique (Mifsud) was struggling with some physical issues in the past weeks but now she’s making progress to be fully fit again. We know Amber’s qualities and how much she can help this team, but unfortunately she had a couple of long term injuries during the past two years. So, we had to build her game time gradually, and with a lot of patience and perseverance from her she returned to match fitness and is improving game after game.”

Returning to the current midfield partnership, Ryan Vella did not negate rotations, “Amber (Grech) and Maia (Debono) took over those roles very well. However, every game is a different story. So, it’s about making the needed adjustment depending on the opponents and depending on what we’re trying to achieve during the game.”

Meanwhile, Hibernians’ acquired Sarah Vella Barberi and Georgiana Mifsud, whose link from their time at Raiders and Valletta was apparent against Birkirkara in key understanding between the two on the wing. Kenneth Costantino discussed the utility of this within Hibernians.

Costantino spoke of their dynamic in fitting with the needs of the team, “Georgiana (Mifsud) and Sarah (Vella Barberi) have played together at club and international level. When we recruited them we aimed at addressing aspects of the game which we lacked. We now have different options and this permits us to adapt better. Both are still relatively young and bring in important qualities. They fit into the team very easily and I’m sure that they will become better with every session and every game. Having said that, all of us are continually evolving and we work incessantly to improve.”

A Rare Type Of Rivalry

The two head into the match having had a goalless draw in the first battle, while Mgarr United had a 3 – 0 win in the second.

Although Hibernians hold the trophies in history, the majority of the players involved have changed since the hiatus of Hibernians in the past years. Mgarr United and Hibernians have fought for third and fourth with gritted teeth in the recent past, brewing a rare type of rivalry with the matches usually hard-fought and somewhat explosive.

This year appears to be culminating into a four-horse race thus far, setting the temperature of this afternoon’s fixture slightly higher, with Hibernians yet to secure a victory against the Greens this season. However, Hibernians hold the upper hand in the table on 36* points at the top, while Mgarr United are in fourth on 31. Separating them are Swieqi United and Birkirkara on 32, who meet just before at 14:00.

Mgarr United have been a side that has capitalised on transitions, while completely shutting out Hibernians thus far this year. Questioned on whether he believes this recipe will be sufficient to take home three points, Ryan Vella replied, “As I said previously – every game has a different story. So far, we had two very good games against Hibernians. However, we know that they’re a very good team and we need to be at our best to get the three points.”

Looking at the tactical approach, he finished, “As we’ve shown during the past games we can change up our style and adapt to what’s in front of us pretty well during games. Even though we will try to create a plan to deny Hibernians in what they do best, at the same time we will be focused on maximising our opportunities to gain the upper hand during the match.”

Kenneth Costantino was also questioned on whether Mgarr United pose a different threat, considering that Swieqi United, Birkirkara and Hibernians have all been keen on utilising set-pieces. He replied, “The top four teams all have important qualities, but also weaknesses. It would be naive to think that one team is easier to beat that the other. Yet it would be a mistake to think that any one team is unbeatable.”

On the other hand, Costantino denied that his team relies on set-pieces, “Set pieces are part of the game and exploiting them is important, but surely enough we do not depend on them. Every week we work on different situations in order to limit our weaknesses and expose those of our opponents.”

The stage is set for what one hopes to be another good battle. Mgarr United and Hibernians take to the pitch at 16:30, with the clash following the match between Swieqi United and Birkirkara (14:00).

*Edit: points tally previously incorrectly set at 33.

Lead Images: Elise Bajada 

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Sport has been a part of Eleanor's life literally since she was born which coincided with the football European Cup Final between the Czech Republic and Germany. She had a brief spell playing in a women's football team, but over time swapped the boots for the pen. Besides football, she also enjoys dissecting tennis and Formula 1.

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