by Birkirkara had to be patient but ultimately prevailed with a 3 – 0 victory against San Gwann on Thursday. The Stripes got going with a rebound finish by Patricia Lamanna, before a Momo Ueda brace gave the side comfort in the scoreline to head home with the three points and a clean sheet to boot.
Team Selections
Julia Zarb started in goal for Birkirkara, behind a back-four consisting of Eunice Micallef, Haruhi Sekura, captain Stephania Farrugia and Lara May Azzopardi. Ylenia Grech started in midfield in the company of Gabriella Zahra and Momo Ueda. Kay Axiak and Maia Gauci offered creativity on the wings while Patricia Lamanna led the attack.
San Gwann’s goal was protected by Justyne Caruana. Lisa Vella started in the heart of a defensive trio, flanked by Kirstie Vella and Mariama Kasim, with Rodianne Zerafa and Kirsty Paris protecting the widths. Captain Annabelle Rapa started in midfield alongside Rhea Borg. Morena Fanega and Hailey Russell started further forward, with Naila Addo leading the attack.
How It Unfolded
Birkirkara started with an early opportunity to test San Gwann from a corner kick. However, Lisa Vella rose to clear, before San Gwan set out on their attempt to get Naila Addo released behind on pace.
The Stripes settled into the major share of possession, with the side looking to put good intensity in their play in search of destabilising a compact San Gwann side. On their part, San Gwann continued to attempt to go direct. Rodianne Zerafa sent a searching pass for Naila Addo to chase behind, but found Stephania Farrugia alert of the opportunity and keen to send her team back on the front foot.
Neither goalkeeper was breaking too much sweat, with Birkirkara managing the first real half-chance in the 19th minute. Haruhi Sekura sent a searching ball with Patricia Lamanna helping it on for Maia Gauci who made the run into the box. However, Kirsty Paris and Mariama Kasim put enough pressure to deny the opportunity for the shot.
At the other end, Morena Fanega attempted a long-range delivery following a throw-in, but found Julia Zarb ready to collect untroubled.
San Gwann increased pressure up the pitch as the half-hour elapsed with Naila Addo and Morena Fanega working the ball well between them to get the ball into the box. However, they found Birkirkara’s defence ready to clear once more. Long-worked throw-ins proved to be another frustrating attempt, with Julia Zarb catching the effort from Morena Fanega.
With incision proving testing at the other end, Ylenia Grech was unafraid to pull the trigger but Justyne Caruana remained untroubled until the end of the opening half. The goalkeeper made the block late on, with the defence alert to clear ahead of the rebound attempt.
Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 0 – 0 San Gwann
There were changes from both benches at the break. Kay Axiak gave way to Izabella Stringer in a straight swap for Birkirkara. Maia Gauci was also replaced by Krista Sacco, with Sacco slotting at right-back, while Lara May Azzopardi shifted forward on the wing. Mariama Kasim gave way to Fatma Al Girbi in San Gwann’s defence.
The Stripes appeared set for an early restart with Patricia Lamanna rising to meet Momo Ueda’s corner delivery. However, the effort was wide of the mark.
At the other end, Hailey Russell attempted to make something on the wing, but found Lara May Azzopardi ready to shut the door. However, San Gwann continued to struggle to build lasting possession, with the defence clearing the ball without precision and inviting further pressure.
Julian Camilleri injected fresh legs on the left-wing, with Kirsty Paris making way for Thais Muscat in the 53rd minute.
Neither side could make the most of set-piece opportunities, though Birkirkara managed to add some excitement with a clean break. Lara May Azzopardi was found in space out on the wing, with the youngster cutting back the pass to Izabella Stringer who came inside for the shot. However, the effort was gathered by Justyne Caruana. Azzopardi continued to find space on the wing, with the youngster later opting for the shot from the tight angle, despite having Patricia Lamanna in support in the box. Justyne Caruana continued to keep San Gwann in the balance.
Morena Fanega made a central dart only to find the door shut by Stephania Farrugia at the other end, before Charlene Zammit made another switch in midfield as Izabella Camilleri came on instead of Ylenia Grech.
The Stripes finally found the opening goal in the 71st minute. Izabella Stringer fired goalward from distance, forcing the save from Justyne Caruana. However, Patricia Lamanna was alert to tap home the rebound.
Momo Ueda doubled the scoring just two minutes later. The midfielder worked the ball with Japanese compatriot Haruhi Sekura, with San Gwann caught ball-watching the quick combination. Ueda finished low into the net from inside the box.
San Gwann responded with an opportunity to work something from a corner to no avail. The side showed some good build-up with Rodianne Zerafa venturing forward before linking with Morena Fanega who spread it to Hailey Russell. However, she lacked the precision in the left-footed effort. Fatma Al Girbi also delivered a free-kick from the wing, but could not get the depth to trouble the Stripes’ defence.
Julian Camilleri made a change in goal, with Justyne Caruana making way for Raisa Magro. The Stripes continued to search for more, peppering more shots on goal, but the youngster maintained the resolve with her defence.
The Stripes came close to increasing their tally in the 83rd minute with Momo Ueda finding Stephania Farrugia at the far post from a corner delivery. Kirstie Vella made the block on the line before Raisa Magro collected.
Despite this Birkirkara managed a final goal in injury time. Lara May Azzopardi fed Izabella Camilleri who quickly released it into Momo Ueda. The midfielder rolled the challenge before blasting the finish into the near corner of the net.
Final Score: Birkirkara 3 – 0 San Gwann
Next Matches & Standings
Birkirkara take home three points and the clean sheet, as they next prepare to face bottom-side Valletta who on their part succumbed to a 6 – 0 defeat to Swieqi United. They will meet on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium (20:15).
San Gwann will end their calendar year commitments against Hibernians on Saturday at 18:00 at the Charles Abela Stadium. Hibernians head into it following a goalless stalemate against league leaders, Mgarr United.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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