by The Greens continued their winning form to secure a 3 – 1 victory against Birkirkara. Valeria Villegas Caly and Luz Hernandez gave the Mgarr a comfortable lead at the break, with Amber Grech delivering a long-range effort to pound further misery on the Stripes on the restart. Maia Gauci got the late consolation for the Stripes as the side took to the pitch without Billy Mock’s leadership from the dugout.
Team Selections
Birkirkara’s Billy Mock was not in the dugout, with a combination of staff surrounding Charlene Zammit as the Stripes laid out their warm-up and formation. Julia Zarb retained her place in goal, behind a back-four consisting of Haruhi Sekura, Selina Anima, captain Stephania Farrugia and Lara May Azzopardi. Gabriella Zahra held the midfield, with Amy Busuttil and Momo Ueda, while Ylenia Grech and Stella Francalanza operated out wide. Patricia Lamanna was the lone attacker.
Meanwhile, Ryan Vella swapped the goalkeeper once more, with Giulia D’Antuono taking the place behind the consistent back-line of Rebecca Bajada, Leanne Cefai, Abigail Camilleri and Yanina Mendez. Amber Grech and Maia continued their stay in midfield. Luz Hernandez came in to support Valeria Villegas Caly in attack, while Yulya Carella and Alejandra Villegas Caly started out wide.
How It Unfolded
The match kicked off with Birkirkara attempting to block Mgarr United from getting their pacey forwards on their charge, while seeking to win the battle in midfield.
The first fifteen minutes elapsed with little to shout for in terms of goal-mouth action, except for a few set-pieces that neither side was able to capitalise on.
However, the league leaders broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Luz Hernandez drove toward the byline on the right wing, before placing a cross into the box. Julia Zarb got the first reflex on it, but dropped right in the path of Valeria Villegas Caly, with the striker’s instinct kicking in for the rebound.
The Greens had a glorious opportunity to double their lead five minutes later, with a free-kick opportunity from within shooting range. However, Yanina Mendez’ strike was straight at Julia Zarb who reacted well for the save.
Referee Mark Azzopardi was keeping a close eye on things, while laying down the law in search of maintaining the balance in the game as heads started to get lost in action.
The Stripes continued to battle on for a path to equality, with the full-backs looking to get involved as the midfield trio sought to widen play. However, Mgarr continued to show their work ethic off the ball to close spaces and hunt down possession in search of maintaining a clean sheet. Giulia D’Antuono was forced into a stop from an ambitious effort from Momo Ueda from a free-kick, with the goalkeeper also unrelenting.
The Greens doubled their lead just before half-time, through Luz Hernandez. Yanina Mendez struck an initial low effort to force a save from Julia Zarb, with Hernandez was lively for the rebound. Though the young goalkeeper reacted again for the shot, the second rebound from Hernandez went through.
Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 0 – 2 Mgarr United
The Stripes had a change on the wing at the break, with Maia Gauci replacing Stella Francalanza.
However, Mgarr United kicked off with another long-range effort from Amber Grech, who caught the mid-air ball perfectly to first-time it toward the right post. Julia Zarb got something on it, but not enough to keep out the third goal.
Though the score was settled, the Stripes sought to keep themselves on the charge to get themselves on the scoreboard, even as rain threatened proceedings.
Creative duo, Amelia Vassallo and Kay Axiak were thrusted into midfield, instead of Amy Busuttil and Ylenia Grech just after the hour mark. However, the Stripes landed in further hot water as Selina Anima earned the second booking from Mark Azzopardi a minute later, sending the Stripes down to ten.
Despite this, Birkirkara’s Patricia Lamanna was keen on making her presence known against the Greens’ defence, looking to get on the ball with any means necessary, while Mark Azzopardi refused to get involved. The forward worked a ball with Lara May Azzopardi on the wing, with the youngster placing the cross. Amelia Vassallo rose for the ball, but Giulia D’Antuono towered ahead to claim.
Ryan Vella shifted things, bringing on Brenda Borg instead of Luz Hernandez, with the Greens early a good opportunity shortly after. Yulya Carella delivered a pacey cross, but Valeria Villegas Caly got underneath the header. Carella attempted an audacious effort shortly after, with a half-volley, but was off target with the finish.
Further changes ensued with the intensity dropping in the match, Gaia Antonelli took to the pitch instead of Amber Grech, while Izabella Camilleri replaced Gabriella Zahra in midfield.
Despite time ticking away toward the end, the Stripes did not give up on getting themselves on the scoresheet, with the side capitalising in the 43rd minute. Patricia Lamanna fired a left-footed effort from inside the box and though Giulia D’Antuono reacted to the first, Maia Gauci was ready for the rebound.
Ryan Vella introduced late changes with Milena Stagno, Ylenia Debono and Shania Spiteri replacing Maia Debono, Rebecca Bajada and Valeria Villegas Caly.
The Greens looked to find a late final goal, with Brenda Borg involved at the other end, but striking the side netting from the tight angle, before a free-kick from midfield was palmed into the crossbar by Julia Zarb.
Final Score: Birkirkara 1 – 3 Mgarr United
Standings, International Break & Return
The Greens extend their lead to eight points at the top as they continue their charge for a maiden league title. Birkirkara remain on nine points in fourth place.
The Assikura Women’s League will return on the 11th December as Birkirkara face San Gwann at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. Mgarr United will have a Jubilee Cup final to prepare for, where they will face Hibernians on the 8th December.
The women’s game will break off for the international window for the next couple of weeks. Malta’s senior side faces Croatia in a double-header on the 28th November (19:00) and the 1st December (17:00) at the Centenary Stadium. Malta’s U19s will also be in action in the UEFA Women’s U19 Championship Qualification matches.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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