by Things ended all square on Thursday as Mgarr United and Hibernians were locked in a 1 – 1 draw. Yanina Mendez fired Mgarr United into the lead with an olimpico, but Leah Ayres drew Hibernians level following the break, sending the two home with a point apiece. Swieqi United and Birkirkara could also not be separated elsewhere, also ending in a 1 – 1 draw.
Team Selections
Patricia Ebejer continued her stay in goal for Mgarr United. Ryan Vella opted for a back-four consisting of Rebecca Bajada, Leanne Cefai, captain Abigail Camilleri and Yanina Mendez. Ann-Marie Said started in a midfield partnership with Amber Grech. Yulya Carella operated in the number ten position, flanked by Alejandra Villegas Caly and Luz Hernandez. Valeria Villegas Caly led the attack.
Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino continued with a largely stable selection. Elizabeth Harrington was protected by the trio of Jessica Dimech, Natalee Geren, and Georgiana Mifsud. Sarah Vella Barberi and Ileana Farrugia started on the wings, while Nicole Sciberras and Kayleigh Chetcuti continued their stay in midfield. Leah Ayres led the attack, supported by captain Martina Borg and Joelma Alves Gabriel.
How It Unfolded
The match kicked off with Mgarr United having the early opportunities. The Greens were handed a cheap corner early on following a deep free-kick delivery from Ann-Marie Said. The side worked what appeared to be a rehearsed routine, but Ileana Farrugia was sharp to it and relieved pressure.
Mgarr United snuck behind enemy lines again five minutes into it. Yulya Carella combined with Ann-Marie Said, who attempted to release Valeria Villegas Caly. However, Elizabeth Harrington swept well, with the Mgarr United forward needing some treatment. The Greens continued having the more urgency for the ball, with key interceptions in midfield and immediately searching to transition into attack.
Despite having had to wait until the 14th minute, the Greens broke the deadlock with an olimpico through Yanina Mendez. Elizabeth Harrington got something on the Argentinian’s inswinging corner, but could not keep it from hitting the far left corner of the net.
The match needed a goal, which injected some urgency on Hibernians’ part, although Kenneth Costantino appeared still far from happy from the quality of play displayed by his team.
Having taken a knock earlier on, Valeria Villegas Caly was substituted by Elisa Xuereb in the 23rd minute, with Xuereb occupying the left flank, while Luz Hernandez switched to the centre of attack.
The Paolites grew into the match, finding some more combinations on the ball and trying to get back into it. Mgarr United tapered off, with a lone effort from Ann-Marie Said in midfield, being collected by Elizabeth Harrington. At the other end, Abigail Camilleri made a crucial interception to deny Leah Ayres from running free on goal in the box. Both defences were prone to a few mix-ups, but neither side managed to capitalise.
Half-Time Score: Mgarr United 1 – 0 Hibernians
The two returned to the pitch, with Hibernians having an improved drive to get back into the match. Mgarr United had a good break, with Elizabeth Harrington getting into trouble in no-man’s land trying to block a cross from Luz Hernandez, but having Natalee Geren ready to intercept in the box.
Hibernians sped toward the other side, with Martina Borg released on the left side of the box and trying to curl an effort into the far post, which just brushed the wrong side of the post. Hibernians’ were incredulous at the goal-kick given, with a technical member of staff given a straight red by referee Wayne Sammut.
Mgarr United appeared to be in game-management mode as the hour mark approached, with Wayne Sammut reaching into his pocket while giving the Greens the hurry-on.
However, the Greens’ plan was thwarted by Hibernians in the 67th minute. Sarah Vella Barberi was lively on the wing, earning the side the free-kick to hit into the box. Joelma Alves Gabriel hung it toward Leah Ayres at the near post, who directed it into the far left corner of the net to get her team level.
The gloves were clearly off with lingering feet making more of an appearance. However, Hibernians had the better momentum on the ball, with Sarah Vella Barberi continuing to be a good outlet for the side, putting some deliveries into the box. The Paolites were on referee Wayne Sammut’s case once more as Leah Ayres hit the deck following a clash with Patricia Ebejer in the box, but the referee waived claims away.
Both coaches made changes as the final fifteen minutes of the match wore on. Kenneth Costantino brought on Yolande Attard, with Ileana Farrugia making way. She slotted on the right wing, pushing Sarah Vella Barberi on the left. Kayah Abela Sciberras took to the pitch instead of Elisa Xuereb for Mgarr, with the youngster slotting on the right wing. Ryan Vella’s change was accompanied by a change in shape to match the Paolites.
Tensions grew for the Greens as Joelma Alves Gabriel was clipped by Amber Grech, with Hibernians afforded a chance to shoot from a central, albeit somewhat far distance. The Brazilian put too much power on the effort though, letting her former club off the hook.
Mgarr United sought a final opportunity to create something, with Kayah Abela Sciberras combining with Alejandra Villegas Caly. However, a heavy touch allowed Elizabeth Harrington to collect. Natalee Geren outpaced the attack to clear away the danger late on.
At the other end, Hibernians had an opportunity from a corner which Joelma Alves Gabriel delivered deep toward Jessica Dimech, who kept it alive, but the Greens cleared for a throw. Sarah Vella Barberi and Martina Borg combined one more time on the wing with some inspiration to work the overlap. However, Leanne Cefai read their thinking and stood strong to shield the ball out of play.
Final Score: Mgarr United 1 – 1 Hibernians
Standings & Next Matches
The two teams share the points once more, keeping the gap between them three points. Swieqi United and Birkirkara also could not get the better of each other at the Charles Abela Stadium, with that match also ending at 1 – 1. Match report to follow.
Results mean that teams maintain the same gaps, with Swieqi United tied to Hibernians on 39 points, Mgarr United in third on 36, while Birkirkara are in fourth on 34.
The Assikura Women’s League resumes on Saturday with two more encounters at Dingli Ground, as San Gwann take on Lija Athletic (14:00), before Valletta meet Mtarfa (16:30).
The matches will give way to the international break, which will mark the return of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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[…] two teams shared the points, as did Hibernians & Mgarr United. The top four head into the international break with Swieqi United equal on points with Hibernians […]