by Swieqi United and Mgarr United will kickstart the second round with the top two meeting at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30 following a change in venue. Dorianne Theuma & Ryan Vella discussed their team’s latest victories and thoughts on changes in officiation this season. The two gave their view on the ability of coming back from a goal down, having already won a match apiece with a one-sided scoreline in direct confrontations this year.
New Battleground Amid Change In Venue
Swieqi United and Mgarr United head into the second round fresh from a positive streak of form. It will be the third meet between the two following an opening league match which Mgarr United won by 2 – 0, before Swieqi United replied with a 3 – 0 victory to lift the Super Cup.
Tonight’s match will set the two against each other at the Victor Tedesco Stadium instaed of the previously penned in Centenary Stadium, making it the latest fixture to be shifted from the original schedule.
The Malta Football Association’s Stewart Said confirmed that the change in venue is to accomodate the YoHealth Premier League matches which will be played at the Centenary Stadium between Mosta & Gzira United (18:45) and between Tarxien Rainbows & Marsaxlokk.
Indeed it follows further changes, with Swieqi United’s last fixture, a 6 – 1 win against Valletta, also having had a change in venue and time from the Charles Abela Stadium to the Dingli Ground. The match time also changed from 20:30 to 19:00.
Stewart Said also responded to queries about that change, “It was due to Amateur Cup games which had to be played at Charles Abela Stadium amongst other stadiums. The decision was taken to safeguard kick-off time as since the two games were knock-outs, it might have resulted in a very late kick-off, less time for a proper warming-up and other logistical reasons. Kick-off time was moved since we had the opportunity that the game will be played earlier.”
Swieqi United’s coach, Dorianne Theuma, responded on the potential impact of changes in the team and the impact of conceding the goal against Valletta in triggering a strong response for a big victory.
Dorianne Theuma gave a balanced take, “We started the game playing good football against a very well-organised Valletta side. Keeping the intensity high was important, but at certain moments the momentum slowed down for different reasons. Every player who came on contributed well and played their part. Conceding a goal was a turning point, it pushed us to raise our level again, and from there we showed great character and dominated until the end to secure a big win.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United secured a slender 1 – 0 victory against Hibernians where they held on to an early lead courtesy of a stunner by Amber Grech to make it five wins on the trot in the league.
Ryan Vella was questioned on whether he believes his team’s game management is sufficient, or whether he believes pressure-moments later in the season will require them to be more clinical with follow-up chances to kill the game.
He conceded the importance of taking chances, “After re-watching our last game, we think that there were certain moments where we could have been deadlier, especially in the final third. The team played a really good disciplined and organised game and in close encounters like these it’s crucial to take the chances that come your way, especially when you have the upper hand in certain moments.”
However the Mgarr United coach credited his side for their overall performance, “Apart from that we’re really proud of our players at the way we controlled the game especially in the second half. We limited dangers and killed the game off really well, while at the same time still being dangerous on the counter attack.”
Changes In Officiation?
As the second round kicks off, the fifteen matches that have been played all featured at least a new person in each of the team of the three officials. Fourth officials are still not present in the Assikura Women’s League.
There have been marked changes in the approach, with officials keeping goalkeepers honest on the time they hold the ball before kicks, while also unafraid to dish out cards. The two coaches were questioned on their thoughts of the changes in officiation thus far.
Dorianne Theuma replied, “This season we’ve seen referees with different levels of experience, so it’s difficult to put everyone in the same bracket. Looking at the last game in particular, we committed around ten fouls but still received four yellow cards, many for very simple challenges. Decisions like these don’t just influence one match but they can affect the team’s season as a whole.”
The Swieqi United coach remarked, “I don’t want to dwell on refereeing, but I will say this: when my team doesn’t perform, I take responsibility. When players don’t perform, they take responsibility. And in the same way, I believe all stakeholders in the game should also take responsibility. We put in a lot of time and effort to prepare, and it was disappointing to see a normal match develop into situations that, in my view, were not managed as they should have been.”
Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella welcomed the stricter measures but flagged other aspects, “As a coach I do not mind a stricter way of officiating, the problem I find is that there is a huge lack of communication between the referees and coaches, and the referees and players, during the game. I also feel that consistency in decisions can improve.”
Two Different Tales, Three Points For An Equal Footing Or A Six-Point Lead
As noted above the matches between the two this year have yielded opposing results. While both have found the net against each other, neither have managed to pull a goal back once they conceded against each other this year.
This evening’s match has a significant bearing, with the second of four league meets possibly nullifying the gap between the two should Swieqi United win, or extending it by six points for Mgarr United if they come out on top.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma highlighted the strengths of her opposition, “Mgarr are the most experienced squad in the league, and one of their biggest strengths is their ability to manage games. As you mentioned, we’ve had two very different matches against them this season, and both gave us valuable lessons.”
However, the Swieqi coach is backing her team to have the tools to do the job irrespective of the proceedings, “I believe our team has shown this season that we can react to different situations, whether we score first or not. The first game against them helped us a lot in our growth, and I’m confident that we can adapt and overcome those challenges going forward.”
Presented the same question on his belief of his team’s ability to come from behind should they concede first against the Owls, Ryan Vella equally highlighted the strengths of Swieqi will test his defence, “A game of football is ninety-plus minutes long. Whichever way the game goes you need to adapt, adjust and keep going until the final whistle. So far, we’ve been really solid defensively, but we know we’re going to play against one of the best attacks in the league.”
However, he is also of the belief that his team is well prepared to bring the battle in attempt to secure a six-point lead at the top at the start of the second round. He finished, “We will make sure that the players are prepared for every situation the game can throw at us, so we can achieve the best outcome possible from the game.”
The two teams will take to the pitch of the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Image: Timeless Snaps by Francesca
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