by Valletta and Hibernians return to league action after the international break looking to close the season on a positive note. While Anton Cremona highlighted the Citizens’ growing organisation despite setbacks, Martina Borg called on Hibernians to respond after their defeat to Birkirkara, stressing the importance of mentality and unity as the team regroups for the final stretch of the campaign.
Into The Final Stretch From The International Break
Valletta and Hibernians will restart the Assikura Women’s League for the final time this campaign as the two teams aim to maximise the available tally.
Split between the senior and U21 team, Anton Cremona welcomed the break following a defeat to Mgarr United where the Greens secured the title. Despite defeat, it was a match where the Citizens put on a strong display early on to frustrate the league leaders, “We started off strongly against Mgarr and caused a bit of pressure on them when you consider we were still level at half-time.”
The Valletta coach appeared somewhat frustrated by the elements, “I don’t usually like to mentioned officials’ decisions, but I think it is very easy for dubious decisions to go against us. Additionally, it is always challenging to have to make enforced substitutions, despite the team playing well.”
On the other hand, a 3 – 0 defeat to Birkirkara was certainly not the result Martina Borg wanted to take into the international break, “It was unexpected in a sense, but at the same time we knew that Birkirkara had improved a lot. They are a much more organised team and we knew that they can hurt you. We were fully penalised for losing focus at one end, and we failed to create chances at the other end, which was also a first.”
The Paolites’ coach called on the team to learn from the match, “It was a match determined by moments, but a match like that is one which we must use as a wake-up call to push harder and continue working toward our goals.”
Outlook & Squad News
Valletta started off the season in doubt, with Anton Cremona’s side picking up the squad numbers along the way and showing improved organisation as the season progressed.
Anton Cremona weighed in on progress and targets, “I think we’re getting closer to where I wanted us to be when I took over, especially considering where we started and the fact that we included a lot of players who are from the U21 level. Our aim until the last season must be to avoid finishing the league in the bottom place.”
The match this evening will pit Valletta against a Hibernians looking to find form again. Despite the Citizens not having earned points against them this year, Cremona is looking for his team to make the next step, “It is always a tough match against them, but I am working hard for us to take something from the match.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians’ coach Martina Borg explained that Maya Cachia’s absence in the past weeks was due to severe illness and gave positive news on the goalkeeper’s return to training, together with players returning from international duty at senior and U19 level.
On the other hand, the team will certainly be without Amy Catania who is away on international duty with the U16 team, “She is a key player in our squad, even though she is very young. It is a positive that she’s with the national team and we wish her the best of luck, but from our end we will rotate players in that position for the match.”
Looking ahead to tonight, Martina Borg is calling on her team to hit the ground running ahead of the final stint, “We’ve had time to regroup. At this stage of the season the most important thing is the mentality and that is what I’m focusing on. Our aim right now is to keep spirits high and keep the team united. Tactically the team knows what we expect from them. Even though we had many players away on international duty we had a good week of training and I believe we can have a positive performance.”
The match will be played at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30).
Lead Image: RPC Photo MT
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