by San Gwann and Hibernians will be closing off the Assikura Women’s League weekend at Dingli Ground at 18:00. Julian Camilleri and Martina Borg gave their view of hard-fought encounters as they balance the season’s challenges. Julian Camilleri called on his team to be disciplined and make the most of opportunities, while Martina Borg underscored the desire for a good start while highlighting the importance of patience.
Late Defeat & A Hard-fought Draw
San Gwann and Hibernians will be closing off proceedings before the Christmas break this evening. The two head into it following different encounters.
San Gwann managed to hold off Birkirkara until the final twenty minutes, but could not see it through for their first point against the Stripes. Julian Camilleri gave insight on the match, “I think we were disciplined, especially in the first half, I thought it was a balanced match. I think we showed signs of fatigue in the second half and even missed our own opportunities. We had to make enforced changes between the U21 135-minute rule and had a few players who were sick. We conceded one and couldn’t overcome it.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians managed to hold Mgarr United to a goalless draw, with Hibernians’ Martina Borg questioned on her perspective of whether it amounts to a point gained or two points lost. “I thought it was fairly balanced, but I cannot say we are happy with a draw because of its impact on the table. I think the players showed a much more positive showing when you compare it to the Jubilee Final. We had opportunities to score, we hit the post, so I think if we won we wouldn’t have nicked it, but it would have been deserved.”
The gap to Mgarr United has been widened further with the Greens’ victory against Swieqi United last evening.
Tactical Decisions & Squad Updates
San Gwann’s season in front of goal is proving tough. Julian Camilleri was questioned about the decision to shift last year’s top goalscorer of the league, Hailey Russell, to a deeper role.
He replied, “I think this year is a different story. The teams we scored a lot against last year aren’t there. In the meantime, Hailey is being played as a mezzala since we are really missing Chaimaa (Tourki) and we haven’t got another technical player who can fill in that place. Considering Naila (Addo)’s attributes, that combination is the best we’ve got and Naila is also doing well in that regard.”
Meanwhile, the Paolites also have had their own absences including Laura Muscat, Lisa Calleja, Olivia Nazarko and also Suzanne Farrugia Sacco. Martina Borg gave an update, “A few of them are recovering from injuries and we’re hoping to get back into things gradually, while there were some personal commitments as well.”
Expectations
The Yellows have been unable to find points against the Top Four, with Julian Camilleri looking for containment but hoping also that his team believes in its ability to blemish Hibernians’ confidence.
Camilleri weighed in, “They have always been a team that is direct and it is the only team we managed to keep a low score against, if you exclude the matches against Valletta. However, we must be more disciplined at the back and also believe that we can punish if we are smart.”
However, Hibernians’ Martina Borg is equally looking for her team to hit back with a victory to kick off the third round, “We must always be patient against San Gwann because of how they approach matches. However, as long as we stick to utilising our possession well, believe in our principles and our abilities, and don’t force it, the goals will come. The sooner we find the net, the more comfortable we’ll be of course to control the match.”
The match will be played at Dingli Ground, KO 18:00.
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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