by Swieqi United were eagerly motivated with a 6 – 0 victory over Valletta on their return. Andjela Kricak grabbed a poker to set things off, with Ema Micallef and Sara Saliba completing the scoring in a match that put spotlight on plenty of new and returning faces.
Team Selections
Valletta’s Anton Cremona trusted Dorienne Grech in goal behind a back-line consisting of Shakira Bugeja, Ilona Sultana, Sarah Micallef and Edera Marmara’. Aaliyah Bonnici Carbonaro anchored the midfield, with captain Joelma Alves Gabriel, Ulani Belkis, Eliza Csik and Liliana Cohete. Hannah Fenech led the line.
Meanwhile, Patricia Araujo captained Swieqi United in the absence of Shona Zammit, with the Brazilian guarding the posts behind the quartet of Sarah Urpani, Valentina Rapa, Miriana Conti and Jade Flask. There were further changes as Eva Koneva debuted in the league at the heart of a youthful midfield, alongside Michaela Cachia and Ema Micallef. Sara Saliba led the attack, flanked by Salamatu Abdulai and Andjela Kricak.
How It Unfolded
The Owls did not take long to find their rhythm. Andjela Kricak was off celebrating the first of the evening in the fifth minute. Ema Micallef cut the pass across the box to the Serbian, who delivered the finish into the top right corner of the goal, giving Dorienne Grech no chance.
Kricak was on the money again three minutes later. Lively in the box, Swieqi’s number nineteen converted Sarah Urpani’s cross as the Citizens struggled to contain the Owls in possession.
Pressure continued to rise on the team in white, with Sara Saliba wriggling away, though pulling the shot wide. The wings continued to be a fruitful avenue for the Owls, with Sarah Urpani and Jade Flask adventurous in getting forward and being well-found by the midfield.
Andjela Kricak was celebrating the hat-trick just one minute shy of the fourteen-minute mark with the Serbian’s effort deflected on its way into the net.
Woes mounted as Ilona Sultana needed lengthy treatment but the defender soldiered on as the Owls searched for more. Jade Flask was next to have the opportunity to put her name on the scoresheet. However, she could not apply the finishing touch at the far post from a corner delivery, with the finish rising well over the bar.
Valletta responded with a rare opportunity to test the Swieqi United defence close to the half-hour mark. However, Patricia Araujo collected Joelma Alves Gabriel’s effort without much sweat before sending her side out on the counter. Ilona Sultana was well-placed to nip it in the bud but the Citizens continued to struggle to mount much going forward, with Hannah Fenech a willing but isolated runner.
Andjela Kricak kept up a golden opening half, finding the fourth inside the 35th minute, converting another cross from Sarah Urpani. Salamatu Abdulai had the opportunity to make it six five minutes later with Jade Flask supplying another sumptuous delivery from the left. However, the finish lacked the precision.
Ema Micallef rose to the occasion to fire the fifth in the 41st minute. Set up by Andjela Kricak, the youngster placed a low effort into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.
Valletta had a late opportunity to get one back in injury time as Shakira Bugeja launched a free-kick from midfield toward Joelma Alves Gabriel. She headed it on for Eliza Csik to fire the finish. However, Patricia Araujo was alert at the near post.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 5 Swieqi United
Both coaches made changes at the break. Sarah Fenech, Kristina Zammit and Phoebe Camilleri were pushed into the fold instead of Ulani Belkis, Aaliyah Bonnici Carbonaro and Hannah Fenech respectively for Valletta. Meanwhile, Tammy Portelli and Maria Vella made an appearance instead of Eva Koneva and Ema Micallef for the Owls.
The Owls’ Sara Saliba wrapped up the scoring from the penalty spot with Swieqi United firmly in control of the match as the hour mark elapsed. Further changes ensued from both ends as Thea Ida Scicluna replaced Jade Flask for Swieqi United, while Ines Alina Mohamed debuted for Valletta instead of Ilona Sultana.
The story of the match continued to be one for fresh faces, as Amy Portelli was given the nod in the senior league for the first time, replacing Miriana Conti. Kaysia Micallef made the full return from injury and her first senior league appearance since returning with Swieqi United replacing Sarah Urpani on the wing.
Final Score: Valletta 0 – 6 Swieqi United
Standings & Next Matches
The Owls will take the three points and carry momentum in their final fixture of the calendar year, where they will face league leaders Mgarr United. The Greens dropped their first points in the league in a goalless draw against Hibernians on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Valletta will be braced for a meet with Birkirkara, who on their part will head into a match following a 3 – 0 win against San Gwann.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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[…] Swieqi United dispatched Valletta to take momentum into the next match against the league leaders Mg…. They inch two points ahead of the Paolites, six below the Greens. The two are set to meet at the […]
[…] 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 […]