by Lija Athletic will be facing Hibernians as the two sides end the first-round commitments in the Assikura Women’s League this afternoon at Dingli Ground, starting at 17:30. Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi is betting on squad spirit to challenge Kenneth Costantino’s side, as they seek the three points to sit themselves clear at the top of the table at the end of the first round.
Hibs Heading Upwards As Lija Struggle To Recover Initial Spark
The two teams started off the season with great results in view of their respective goals, but heading into the final match of the first round, it is the Paolites who have been the side that managed to maintain it.
Lija Athletic’s initial promising performances have given way to bigger defeats, with the side heading into this one following a 5 – 0 defeat to Mgarr United. Jethron Azzopardi underlined the impact that losing Sarah Caruana to injury during the match had on his team, “Against Mgarr we were disciplined and until Sarah (Caruana) was in play we kept our shape and kept our compactness. Unfortunately we lost her and lost our shape and confidence.”
On the other hand, Hibernians showed no signs of slowing down against San Gwann, successfully finding the net with confidence, while managing to restrict the Yellows to almost no shots despite the confines of Mgarr Ground, ultimately winning by 6 – 0.
Kenneth Costantino gave the thumbs up to the performance, “Tactically we were aware of San Gwann’s style of play and we worked to limit their play – something which as you mentioned we were able to do perfectly. Mgarr Ground is a very small playing surface and therefore we had to slightly adapt certain positions.”
Controlling Midfield
Lija Athletic will head into the match without Sarah Caruana who came into the team recently both in midfield and in defence. Jethron Azzopardi was clear in looking to the squad to step up to the challenge, “It is a major blow for us, but with our limitations we will find solutions in our squad players.”
Indeed the side has also been operating without Ylenia Azzopardi, with several rotations in midfield, including the partnership between Kylie Pantalleresco and Rachel Mifsud, while Shakira Bugeja has also been deployed in the centre of the park this season.
In contrast, Hibernians have largely stuck to the partnership between Nicole Sciberras and Kayleigh Chetcuti. Probed about the reliance on the duo, in view of building the partnership, Kenneth Costantino remarked, “I think they are getting to understand each other better although I believe there is simple room for improvement. Midfield is a very important department for any team wishing to control the game.”
On the other hand, asked about the increased dependency on the two for the team ahead of a long season, Costantino remarked, “As any coach I’ll be concerned with injuries and fatigue, but I am sure that other clubs have similar concerns.”
First Will Suit Hibs Just Fine, But Lija Ready For The Fight
The two teams will conclude the first round of the Assikura Women’s League. Lija Athletic have become synonymous with a defensive shape, while eyeing to maximise sporadic forward plays.
Jethron Azzopardi did not give much away in terms of whether any changes are afoot in search of springing surprises for the Paolites, but is backing his team to show up with the right attitude. He said, “We will try our best to play the game and give a challenge. We know their potential and their strength. However, we are ready for a fight with our modest team.”
Nevertheless, Hibernians will be chomping at the bit to finish the round in first place, and with it brings the prospect of ending it in an unbeaten manner. Asked whether the match against San Gwann served as the perfect segway into this one, considering Lija Athletic’s defensive shape, Kenneth Costantino is backing his analysis once more, “Every game has its script. My role is to leave nothing to chance. Just like we did in the past six games players, will be briefed to know what to expect.”
Despite this, Costantino is urging his team to be prepared to adapt to any eventuality, “Having said that, football is chaotic and we know well enough that events and circumstances can play nasty tricks. We constantly work to empower players with the ability and understanding to adapt on the pitch. As demonstrated already, it can be extremely hard to breach us. Yet, we know that this is only possible when every single member commits wholeheartedly to the cause.”
Costantino finished by rallying his troops for a united front in search of ending the round on a high, “Every match starts at zero each. It is up to us to tilt this in our favour through a positive and focused approach.”
The two teams will begin their battle at 17:30, following the clash for third place between Swieqi United and Mgarr United at 15:00. Both matches will be played at Dingli Ground.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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