by San Gwann continued to add points on the board with a 2 – 0 win against Mtarfa. Hailey Russell delivered a brace with a goal in either half, while she was also denied the hat-trick by the post.
Team Selections
Mtarfa’s captain Dorienne Grech started in goal. Shania Spiteri partenered Paula Ciappara in defence, while Maria Abdilla and Jasmine Camilleri operated as full-backs. Eliza Csik led the midfield in the company of Kerrie Ciappara and Laura Echeverri Tobon. Estelle Borg spearheaded the attack, flanked by Oumayma Jelili and Sabrina Bertona.
There was a change in goal for San Gwann, with Geona Muscat occupying the position. Naomi Blundell partnered Nanako Kobayashi in defence, while Kirsty Paris and Kirstie Vella started as full-backs. Fatma Al Girbi accompanied captain Annabelle Rapa and Nilayza Attard in midfield. Katrin Abela and Naila Adomah Addo flanked Hailey Russell in attack.
How It Unfolded
It was Mtarfa who started with the better attacking momentum, while San Gwann appeared keen on maintaining shape early on. Eliza Csik tested Geona Muscat from distance seven minutes into it, earning a corner for the side. The delivery from Paula Ciappara was dealt with by Kirsty Paris, before Eliza Csik fired the rebound from the edge of the box, but was off target.
San Gwann responded with a surge from Hailey Russell, who was thwarted by Paula Ciappara. Eliza Csik swept the clearance against Katrin Abela who was looking to pick up the loose ball for a clear run on goal.
However, Hailey Russell was afforded too much space moments later and took full advantage. The American spotted Dorienne Grech off her line and fired from distance to find the back of the net fifteen minutes into it.
The team in yellow grew stronger with further efforts from distance from Hailey Russell and Fatma Al Girbi. On the other hand, forward drives on the wings were successful, but the crosses found bodies in Blue to clear to safety.
Fatma Al Girbi seemed to have created a real opportunity with a precise aerial switch toward Annabelle Rapa who made the run into space on the wing. However, the cross was fired straight into the hands of Dorienne Grech, with Katrin Abela having otherwise been free for the tap in.
Mtarfa attempted to respond with a forward run from Kerrie Ciappara and Paula Ciappara on separate occasions. However, San Gwann’s organisation was seldom threatened.
Half-Time Score: Mtarfa 0 – 1 San Gwann
Simon Spiteri made one change at right-back at the break, bringing on Francesca Degiorgio instead of Jasmine Camilleri.
San Gwann sought to add to their tally right from the off. Hailey Russell was causing all sorts of trouble with runs out wide, but the ball into the box continued to elude the team in Yellow.
Julian Camilleri looked toward his bench in the 57th minute with a triple switch as Kirsty Paris, Katrin Abela and Nilayza Attard made way for Jeanelle Falzon, Chaimaa Tourki and Yasmin Attard.
The change paid immediate dividends. Chaimaa Tourki charged forward in midfield, before laying a precise ball to release Hailey Russell behind. The striker made it look easy with a low left-footed finish across into the right side of the net.
Mtarfa’s Simon Spiteri made two further changes with Katya Camilleri replacing Estelle Borg in attack, before Emily Gatt replaced Maria Abdilla in defence.
Eliza Csik gave the Blues some forward momentum with an individual surge that caught San Gwann out. However, the Hungarian opted for a pass at the edge of the box which let in Geona Muscat to collect.
At the other end, Hailey Russell was denied the hat-trick by the post following another well paced effort from distance targeted for the top left corner. Fatma Al Girbi also curled a dangerous free-kick into the box, but found Laura Echeverri Tobon ready to intercept ahead of Chaimaa Tourki who was primed for the shot. The Moroccan found space to fire on two further occasions, but could not find the accuracy in the finish.
Mtarfa attempted to get something going late on in the match, with a free-kick of their own that Shania Spiteri launched forward. Sabrina Bertona and Laura Echeverri Tobon combined, but the latter’s final shot was off target.
Paula Ciappara also picked out Katya Camilleri in the box with a corner delivery. The forward connected well to keep the finish down, but it lacked the power to trouble Geona Muscat, who on her part was well positioned for the save.
Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 2 Mtarfa
Standings & Next Matches
San Gwann raise their tally to 34 points at the top of the Bottom Four pool.
The two teams return on Thursday 20th March. San Gwann will next face Lija Athletic at the Centenary Stadium (20:15), while Mtarfa take on Valletta at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30.
On their part, Valletta and Lija Athletic will be battling it out for second place this evening at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30).
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