by San Gwann mathematically secured their place at the top of the Bottom Four pool by beating Valletta by 1 – 0 , courtesy of a strike by Hailey Russell. Having been denied by the post on multiple occasions the Citizens will feel hard-done by the result, but San Gwann clinch the place with the direct and clinical brand of football that has defined them this season.
Team Selections
Valletta had a change between the posts, with goalkeeping coach Melissa Galea making a first appearance in the shirt. She was protected by a back three consisting of captain Anna Aloisio, Sabrin Blihi and Eunice Micallef. Lilou Lucas and Laura Muscat operated on the wings, while Ylenia Grech, Monique Sultana and Suzanne Farrugia Sacco started in midfield. Rodianne Zerafa partnered Oriane Le Gouez in attack.
Meanwhile, Justyne Caruana continued in goal for San Gwann. Mariama Kasim partnered Nanako Kobayashi in the centre of the defence, while Kirstie Vella and Naomi Blundell started as full-backs. Captain Annabelle Rapa continued to occupy the midfield with Fatma Al Girbi and Martina Schembri. Hailey Russell led the attack, flanked by Yasmin Attard and debutant Naila Adomah Addo.
How It Unfolded
The onus laid heavily on Valletta to earn a first victory against the San Gwann and deter them from closing off their spot at the top of the section with three matches to go. The Citizens started strong, with an early shot by Oriane Le Gouez grazing the roof of the net. Sabrin Blihi also delivered a free-kick into the box but Justyne Caruana dealt with the bounce. San Gwann’s defence stood strong against a corner delivery shortly after.
However, the team in red and white played themselves into trouble with a sloppy backpass that Yasmin Attard latched onto. She squared it to Hailey Russell in the box, but the striker let Valletta off the hook with a wide finish.
Valletta responded with further attacks although frustrated with several offside calls that hampered forward play. On the other hand, referee Jake Farrugia was keeping a close eye on proceedings, keeping a firm hand as the tensions rose.
Still, they pushed on, with Justyne Caruana called into action as Eunice Micallef delivered a cross into Oriane Le Gouez who connected well to work the goalkeeper. Chaos resulted from the corner delivery, with San Gwann’s defence blocking efforts, with the crossbar coming also to their rescue on the follow up.
Both coaches were animated, with Valletta’s Jean Lopes urging his team on, while San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri was not happy with the approach from his team. Martina Schembri was hard at work in an otherwise passive midfield, with the Yellows retreating further into their own half. However, the defence was doing just enough to keep Valletta at bay.
The Citizens were denied by the crossbar once more in the dying moments of the half, following a corner delivery that they connected with in the box. Sabrin Blihi followed up with a rebound but Nanako Kobayashi cleared, before Rodianne Zerafa’s final ball in from wide was clutched by Justyne Caruana to take the sting out of the situation.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 0 San Gwann
The two coaches made early changes as the second half proceeded. Julian Camilleri made a double switch, bringing on Shania Gheiti in attack instead of Yasmin Attard, while Jeanelle Falzon traded with Kirstie Vella. Suzanne Farrugia Sacco made way for Gaia Antonelli for Valletta, operating on the wing as Lilou Lucas shifted into midfield.
Having been relatively quiet, San Gwann threathened with a long-range effort that clipped the crossbar, but made the sporadic attacks pay off in the 68th minute. Hailey Russell’s run was unmarked and well picked by by Naila Adomah Addo straight on goal. The Assikura Women’s League top scorer added to her tally with another crucial goal, placed low into the net to secure San Gwann’s place at the top.
Jean Lopes responded with a triple swap, bringing on Lisa Vella instead of Laura Muscat, Megan La Rosa instead of Rodianne Zerafa, while Lucie Lucas replaced Ylenia Grech in midfield.
Sabrin Blihi launched a free-kick toward Anna Aloisio who rose for the header but could not find the target. At the other end, the Valletta skipper was clattered into by Shania Gheiti, but play was allowed to go on. Naila Adomah Addo linked up with a return to Shania Gheiti who was free on goal. However, the forward took herself wide before firing a meek left-footed effort.
Julian Camilleri made late changes bringing on Nilayza Attard in midfield instead of Martina Schembri, while Kirsty Paris replaced Fatma Al Girbi. Thais Muscat took to the pitch instead of Shania Gheiti late on as the side held their lead to secure the three points.
Final Score: Valletta 0 – 1 San Gwann
Standings & Next Matches
The victory ensures that San Gwann mathematically secure their place at the top of the Bottom Four pool against last year’s holders as they break the 30-point mark. Meanwhile, Valletta are pipped to second place by Lija Athletic following the latter’s 2 – 0 victory against Mtarfa.
Separated by just one point, Valletta and Lija Athletic will continue the battle for second place on Friday 14th at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30. San Gwann will face Mtarfa on Thursday 13th at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15.
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