by Mgarr United secured a 10 – 0 victory against Valletta. Yanina Mendez got the team going from the corner flag, with Ines N’Guessan delivering a poker. Yulya Carella, Paula Ciappara, Amber Grech, Gaia Antonelli and Maia Debono completed the scoring.
Team Selections
Mgarr United’s Patricia Ebejer started in goal, behind Maia Debono, Leanne Cefai and captain Abigail Camilleri. Yanina Mendez and Rebecca Bajada operated on the wings. Amber Grech held the midfield, with Alejandra Villegas Caly and Yulya Carella deployed to support Luz Hernandez and Ines N’Guessan in attack.
Isabel Sanchez continued her stay in goal for Valletta. Ilona Sultana, Sarah Micallef and captain Shakira Bugeja marshalled the defence, with Lorna-Maria Cassar and Nicole Grixti out wide. Aaliyah Bonnici Carbono made a start in midfeild alongside Ulani Belkis. Hannah Fenech and Sarah Fenech operated wide, while Liliana Cohete was the lone forward.
How It Unfolded
The match kicked off under a persistent rainfall that characterised the proceedings to unfold, favouring sleek passing that skidded on the surface.
It did not take long for Mgarr United to break open the deadlock. Yanina Mendez delivered a direct hit from the corner flag which may have gotten a touch on its way in at the near post.
The Citizens earned a breather with a free-kick in midfield. Shakira Bugeja launched forward, but found Abigail Camilleri ready to head away.
The Greens continued to push forward with Amber Grech attempting an effort from range but seeing it skim just over the bar. However, Ines N’Guessan doubled the lead inside the 10th minute with a perfect first time hit to laser the shot into the near post from a cross by Yanina Mendez on the wing.
Ryan Vella appeared forced into an early change with Luz Hernandez making way for Gaia Antonelli, with Mgarr United continuing to push further in attack.
Maia Debono took charge of a free-kick from distance. She beat the wall but Isabel Sanchez was well placed to make the collection. Ines N’Guessan appeared primed for a repeat of her earlier goal in the 17th minute, but this time could not manage the connection.
Despite this, the Greens made another corner kick pay. Delivering the same routine Yanina Mendez targeted the near post with the inswinger, with Ines N’Guessan getting the touch for the third of the evening at the 21st minute.
Mgarr United continued to hold the majority of possession, not forcing any particular intensity but sharp in rotation, with Valletta held in their own half. Alejandra Villegas Caly was denied by the post on the slide. However, the Greens pushed on with crosses continuing to work to good effect.
Rebecca Bajada delivered for Ines N’Guessan to tap home the finish for the fourth in the 34th minute, before Yulya Carella finished off the fifth with a first time finish into the left side of the net, converting a cross by Ines N’Guessan on the 38th minute mark.
Referee Jo-Anna Vassallo pointed to the spot just a minute later as Rebecca Bajada was clipped on her way into the box. Ines N’Guessan fired with venom on the left side of the net, with Isabel Sanchez diving correctly, but unable to get a strong enough palm to keep it out.
Half-Time Score: Mgarr United 6 – 0 Valletta
Changes ensued from both benches at the break. Ryan Vella shuffled his pack with the remaining four substitutions. Maria Mizzi and Ylenia Debono came into the heart of the defence, replacing Leanne Cefai and Yanina Mendez with Abigail Camilleri shifting left. Milena Stagno held up the midfield, with Alejandra Villegas Caly making way. Paula Ciappara was trusted in attack instead of Yulya Carella.
Meanwhile, Valletta also made three changes, with Hannah Fenech, Ulani Belkis and Aalliyah Bonnici Carbonaro all making way for Catrina Magri, Kristina Zammit and Danicia Ciantar.
The match restarted with rain becoming heavier during the break. Valletta had an early opportunity to make something from a free-kick from midfield that Liliana Cohete earned. Shakira Bugeja launched forward but Milena Stagno headed out for Mgarr United.
Mgarr responded with their own opportunity, with a chance to work the goalkeeper from just outside the box. However, the wall did its job against Abigail Camilleri’s effort.
Paula Ciappara marked her first goal in Mgarr United colours in the 55th minute. The youngster was lively to hit it first time into the far left corner from inside the box following a lay-off.
Valletta pushed up to make some pressure in the Mgarr defensive half as the hour mark approached. However, the Citizens could not convert from the corner, with Mgarr United holding on to their clean sheet.
At the other end, the Greens sought for more. Amber Grech continued her scoring form with another direct long-range hit from midfield that nestled into the far right corner of the net to make it eight in the 65th minute.
The Greens worked another just a minute later. Ines N’Guessan opened to find Rebecca Bajada’s run forward. She cut-back to Gaia Antonelli who fired into the far corner, with Isabel Sanchez getting a plenty on it but unable to keep it from sliding in.
Mgarr United finished off the score in the 88th minute. Noticing Isabel Sanchez off her line, Maia Debono fired into the far left side of the net to send the side into double digits.
Final Score: Mgarr United 10 – 0 Valletta
Standings & Break
The Greens ensure they maintain their six-point lead at the top with a confident display before the international break. All domestic football will be on hiatus as the international break progresses.
Mgarr United will return to action on the 6th November against San Gwann at the Centenary Stadium (20:15), while Valletta will regroup and prepare to face Hibernians at the Charles Abela Stadium on the 8th November at 18:00.
The Malta Football Association announced fixtures for the U17, U19 and senior women’s team on Saturday on its social media pages.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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