by Mgarr United will continue their push for a first league title as they face Hibernians — the only side to take points off the leaders in the league this season — under the Centenary Stadium lights at 20:15. Martina Borg backed Hibernians’ intensity and versatility to pose a threat, while Ryan Vella stressed patience and set-piece discipline as Mgarr look to remain unbeaten.
Dominant Performances
Hibernians will be meeting Mgarr United with the target of doing one better on their previous draw and deal the Greens a first defeat in the league this year.
However, the Paolites will need to be sharper in front of goal. Having had the upper hand against Swieqi United last week, the side still walked home with a 2 – 2 draw.
Martina Borg reflected on the proceedings, “I think it as a harsh result on us, because I do believe we were aggressive in fighting for every ball, but we missed chances. Despite this, I still believe we merited the win. We had a goal ruled out for offside which on replaying the footage wasn’t an offside, struck the post three times and there was also a handsball in our favour that wasn’t given. So honestly I think we deserved the win.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United took some time to find the net against Birkirkara, but once Leanne Cefai broke the deadlock, the Greens took the match by its horns and ultimately cruised to a strong score.
Ryan Vella was understandably elated by his side, “The game against Birkirkara was very pleasing. We knew that it wasn’t going to be easy until we break them down as they’re very disciplined and organised, but with patience and persistence we managed to score the first goal. From then on we took full control of the game, scored a couple of really good goals and got the the win, which was the most important thing.”
Will Hibs Do What Swieqi Did In The Super Cup Final?
The match tonight presents another set of questions as to whether Hibernians can become the first to deal Mgarr United their first defeat in the league this year. Swieqi United remain thus far the only team to beat Mgarr United this season, which they did in the Super Cup final.
However, since then Mgarr United have continued to show consistency, with their only drop coming in a draw against the Paolites a few days following the Jubilee Cup final, which the Greens won against the same Hibernians in injury time.
The Greens have become lethal from set-pieces, particularly the in-swingers from Yanina Mendez. On the flip side, Hibernians pose a deadly counter-attacking pace. The two coaches were questioned on the balance in that circumstance.
Hibernians’ Martina Borg weighed in, “We scored a good counter-attack from a corner against Swieqi United. So, yes I think if we are efficient in defending the corner and clearing it effectively, then certainly it is a tool. At the same time, we must start by being solid defensively against the corner kicks.”
Her counterpart, Ryan Vella, backed his team to be ready, “We work a lot on set pieces. I think overall we’re the team that scored the most so far throughout the season, especially from corners. We trust Yanina’s deliveries to always cause problems for our opponents. So, it’s a matter of trying to make our attacking players attack the ball with conviction and be ready for any second balls that might happen as well. Obviously, Hibernians scored a couple of counter attacking goals from these instances, but we’ll plan accordingly to try to prevent that from happening.”
As to the balance of the match, Martina Borg continued to back her team in replicating a strong performance with the target of dealing the Greens a first blow, “We’re the only team to have gotten a point against them in the league. We are a young team but it is one that is growing and we have a deeper versatility now even in systems. So, I do believe that if we put in a good performance, then without any arrogance, I think we are a team that could beat Mgarr.”
However, the Paolites coach continued by underlining the utmost respect toward the league leaders and their coach, “Having said this, Ryan is doing an excellent job with the team and we respect Mgarr’s strength. They are twelve points ahead in the table from us, so we must always be cautious and be well prepared to give our best to take something from this match.”
Equally so, questioned about the utility of the previous draw against Hibernians in preparing for this match, Ryan Vella is pushing his team not to rest on their laurels despite an unbeaten streak in the league thus far.
“Even though we won most games and we’re having a really good campaign, it doesn’t mean that we cannot improve. We try to learn from every game, especially ones that we struggle in. Hibernians have a particular style of play, so for us it’s a matter of keeping the same principles while adapting and adjusting small details that can give us an edge against our opponent. It will be a tough game against a good team who has a good run of form themselves. We’ll prepare the team in the best possible way and try to bring the three points home tonight.”
The coaches have set the stage for what is expected to be another key battle toward shaping the story of the 2025/26 Assikura Women’s League. The two teams will kick-off under the floodlights at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15.
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
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