by Birkirkara took full advantage of Hibernians’ defeat to Mgarr United, with a 13 – 0 victory against Lija Athletic to take their place at the top of the table as they hunt the record title. Alishia Cassar scored a brace, with a Calista Schechinger strike sandwiched in-between to get the team going. Erica Bispo netted a poker before the break to earn an early rest, before substitute Francesca Chircop completed a hat-trick split by a Charlene Zammit strike. Martina Fenech finished the scoring, while there was also an own goal.
Team Selections
Maya Cachia started in goal for Birkirkara, fronted by the growing defensive partnership between Charlene Zammit and Valentina Rapa. Vince Galea deployed a crowded midfield, with Gabriella Zahra accompanied by Calista Schechinger, together with Luana Vitoria Cabral and Yuna Hazekawa. Amelia Vassallo made a start trusted to orchestrate just behind the forward line of Martina Fenech, captain Alishia Cassar and Erica Bispo.
Christiana Pisani returned in goal for Lija Athletic, while Sarah Caruana captained the side in a return to the defence. She held the line alongside Samira Bouzid, Milena Stagno and Corinne Deguara. Mariah Schembri and Edera Marmara’ started on the flanks, while Shakira Bugeja and Vanessa Honorio Carneiro occupied the midfield. Leanne Micallef supported Katryna Grech who was trusted furthest forward.
How It Unfolded
Birkirkara’s Vince Galea deployed a changed approach to destabilise the discipline of Lija Athletic, with a host of midfielders primed to slot in the pockets and pick the right pass at the right time to release the wide forwards. Well executed deliveries and finishes where the final passages of play which the defending champions rose to on the day to nudge themselves into first place in the league.
The Stripes had their first goal within just four minutes of play arriving courtesy of an own goal following a cross from Luana Vitoria Cabral. Alishia Cassar made it two just as the tenth minute expired, with a left-footed effort from the edge of the box. It nestled into the top right corner of the net, giving Christiana Pisani no chance. Calista Schechiner fired the third with another long-range effort five minutes later. This time Lija’s goalkeeper got a touch, but not enough to deny the American.
Lija Athletic struggled to get a hold of Birkirkara who maintained a good intensity in their passing, while showing good movement against the deep defence. The side in blue attempted to get Katryna Grech on a foot race with Birkirkara’s defence, but the combined timing of the pass and run saw the offside flag halt the rare attack in its tracks.
The Stripes’ Amelia Vassallo appeared to be a handful for the team in blue, picking out passes at will, although Birkirkara struggled to add to their tally for some time. Despite this, a flurry of goals arrived between the half-hour mark and half-time to send the Stripes further on their way for the three points.
Alishia Cassar was released behind the defence, before showing nifty feet to dribble past the goalkeeper and pass it into the gaping net. Erica Bispo got in on the action just three minutes later to get her name on the team sheet for the first time.
Lija Athletic attempted to halt the momentum by creating a good opportunity that forced Maya Cachia into action. Leanne Micallef released Edera Marmara’ behind the defence, with Lija’s number ten forcing Maya Cachia into a diving save as she attempted to find the far left corner of the net.
Despite this, the Birkirkara train continued with Erica Bispo netting three more goals before the half-time whistle with well placed shots to send Birkirkara into the break with an eight goal advantage.
Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 8 – 0 Lija Athletic
Both coaches made changes at the break. Vince Galea freshened up the attack, bringing on Raina Giusti and Francesca Chircop instead of Gabriella Zahra and Erica Bispo. There was also a change between the posts, as Emma Cortis took to the pitch instead of Maya Cachia.
Meanwhile, Jethron Azzopardi deployed a few of his own youngsters, bringing on Kayleigh Abela in attack instead of Katryna Grech, while Aaliyah Fiteni slotted on the wing. She replaced Vanessa Honorio Carneiro, with Edera Marmara’ shifting into midfield.
Birkirkara looked to pick up where they left off, with Raina Giusti and Francesca Chircop fresh on the charge. Giusti first threatened with a curled an effort with the outside boot which veered off target, before knocking down a pass for Francesca Chircop to fire into the net for the ninth goal of the team in the 51st minute.
Further changes ensued for the Stripes, with Amelia Vasallo and Alishia Cassar replaced by Lara May Azzopardi and Ruth Steer Chetham. Charlene Zammit took the skipper’s armband.
Lija Athletic continued to attempt to limit the score, while Shakira Bugeja tested youngster Emma Cortis with a free-kick that bounced awkwardly in front of the goalkeeper, but went over the top of the crossbar.
Birkirkara’s substitutions continued to work well as Francesca Chircop netted the tenth with another tap-in just before the 70th minute. Charlene Zammit got herself in on the action for the eleventh with a rebound into the net after the initial shot struck the post.
Francesca Chircop flicked a finish into the bottom right corner to make it a hat-trick for herself on the afternoon ten minutes from time. Martina finished off the thirteenth with a fired effort that was deflected into the net.
Final Score: Birkirkara 13 – 0 Lija Athletic
Standings & Next Matches
Birkirkara’s victory ensures that they capitalise on Hibernians’ defeat to Mgarr United, with the Stripes taking themselves to the top of the table with a two point advantage over the Paolites.
Their resolve at the top of the table will be tested in a quick-turnaround as they face third-placed Swieqi United on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium (20:15). The Owls will have the opportunity to equal the Stripes’ tally following their victory over Valletta earlier in the day. However, Birkirkara will eye an extension of their lead to get some breathing space from third.
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic will need to quickly recover from the match as they next face San Gwann at Dingli Ground on Saturday (9th) at 16:30, with the opportunity to close the gap to fifth place to just one point.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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