Mgarr United Breeze Past Lija To Claim Return To The Final

Mgarr United secured their place in the Assikura Women’s Knockout final with an 8 – 0 win against Lija Athletic. The Greens delivered a commanding opening half to secure a comfortable score, before wrapping things up in the second half to secure a return to the final, set for a historic first meet with Hibernians.

Team Selections

Patricia Ebejer started in goal for Mgarr United, behind an unchanged defence consisting of Rebecca Bajada, Leanne Cefai, captain Abigail Camilleri and Yanina Mendez. Maia Debono made her first start since returning from injury in front of the defence, with Amber Grech operating further forward. Yulya Carella and Luz Hernandez supported Valeria Villegas Caly and Alejandra Villegas Caly in attack.

Meanwhile, Lija Athletic also had a change between sticks, with Julia Zarb starting in goal. Edera Marmara’ and Shakira Bugeja started as full-backs, while Nell Zarb Cousin partnered Sarah Micallef in defence. Laury Carrasco Gonzalez started in midfield with Kylie Pantalleresco, with Leanne Micallef in support. Captain Rachel Mifsud started on the wings together with Estefany Colmenary Gonzalez, while Lisa Calleja was the lone attacker.

How It Unfolded

It only took one minute for Mgarr United to get themselves on the scoreboard, courtesy of Yanina Mendez’s right-footed effort from the edge of the box that flew into the top left corner. It signalled of a long evening to come for Lija Athletic.

The Greens kept their foot on the pedal with a couple of free-kick opportunities finding follow-shots from Amber Grech, Yanina Mendez and also a long-range effort from Maia Debono all off target.

However, Rebecca Bajada doubled the scoring on the quarter-hour mark with a cross-shot from the wing that found the far left corner of the net.

Yulya Carella was allowed to drive freely into the box just four minutes later and fired in the third to fully punish Lija. Abigail Camilleri struck directly from a free-kick just outside the box to make it four a minute later.

Lija Athletic were unable to compose themselves with the damage extended in the 23rd minute as Luz Hernandez tapped home the finish from a cross from Alejandra Villegas Caly. An own goal followed as Nell Zarb Cousin attempted to deny Valeria Villegas Caly the opportunity to tap home from a through ball by Yulya Carella.

There was some moment of respite, but the seventh was fired home in the 34th minute as Valeria Villegas Caly won the ball in the six-yard box before placing low into the net.

With his team well in control, Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella gave an early rest to Valeria Villegas Caly in the 37th minute, bringing on Elisa Xuereb in attack. The one-way traffic continued, with Lija Athletic unable to keep up with the intensity of the game to work their way outside their own half.

Half-Time Score: Mgarr United 7 – 0 Lija Athletic

Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella made further changes at half-time, bringing on Maria Mizzi, Ann-Marie Said and Kayah Abela Sciberras. They replaced Alejandra Villegas Caly, Amber Grech and Rebecca Bajada, with the Greens switching to a back-three.

The half kicked off with Mgarr United pushing for more against a low block from Lija Athletic. A free-kick curled in by Ann-Marie Said begged for a touch but Lija Athletic were let off the hook.

The side came close to extending in the 63rd minute with a short worked routine between Ann-Marie Said and Yanina Mendez. However, the cross was headed just over the bar by Leanne Cefai.

Lija Athletic had sporadic opportunities for a counter-attack with Leanne Micallef found in good space. However, her attempt to release Lisa Calleja was shut out by Mgarr United’s Maia Debono.

Julia Zarb made the save on a direct free-kick in the 70th minute, but the Greens punished the side with the final goal just two minutes later. Luz Hernandez headed home the rebound after Lija Athletic failed to effectively clear a ball into the box.

Changes ensued from either end for the final throes of the match as Maria Ibrahim replaced Rachel Mifsud, with Sarah Micallef assuming the captain’s role. Emma Ruth Lake, Kelsey Cachia and Corine Deguara took to the pitch later on, in replacement of Edera Marmara’, Kylie Pantalleresco and Leanne Micallef.

Mgarr United had a final opportunity late on, with a free-kick curled that Julia Zarb palmed into the cross-bar. The Greens kept the opportunity alive with the ball squared to Yulya Carella, whose rebound efforts were both blocked.

Final Score: Mgarr United 8 – 0 Lija Athletic

Final

Mgarr United confirm their place in the final of the Assikura Women’s Knockout for the first time since the 2017/18 season. They will contest Hibernians who claimed their own spot following a 3 – 0 win against San Gwann.

The final will be played on Thursday 1st May at the Centenary Stadium. The exact time of the fixture that will close off the women’s domestic season in Malta is still to be announced.

Lead Image: Elise Bajada

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