by Miriana Conti scored a brace to enable Valletta to earn three more points with a 2-0 victory over San Gwann. Francesca Bartolo grabs both assists, while the Citizens’ defensive line secured their fourth clean sheet of the season.
Team Selections
San Gwann’s Justyne Caruana recovered in time to start in goal. Kirstie Vella returned in defence, alongside Nicole Camenzuli and captain Annabelle Rapa. The flanks were protected by Thresa Scicluna and Katrin Abela. Martina Schembri and Chanice Grixti protected the defence, while Andjela Kricak started just ahead of the two. Fatma Al Girbi supported Yasmin Attard in attack.
Valletta’s Andressa de Souza Ramos retained her place in goal, protected by the trio of Sabrin Blihi, Georgiana Mifsud and captain Anna Aloisio. Francesca Bartolo started alongside Monique Sultana in front of the defence, while Sarah Vella Barberi orchestrated in the number ten role. Miriana Conti and Michela Bonella Ghio were pushed up in attack on the wings, while Ylenia Grech and Laura Muscat started as the centre-attack pairing.
Valletta Find Double
Valletta started on the front foot, with Sabrin Blihi having the first opportunity to break the deadlock from a free-kick just three minutes in. However, her attempt to find the top right corner lacked the necessary dip to find the net, while another later on was defended by the wall.
Laura Muscat pressed San Gwann’s defensive line into a mistake, but was quickly met by the rushing figure of Justyne Caruana who stood big to deny the goal. San Gwann managed to get some possession strung together with Andjela Kricak looking to release Yasmin Attard, but the two could not trouble Valletta’s defence.
Instead, City rushed forward on the counter-attack to find the opening goal just before a quarter of an hour of play. Francesca Bartolo released Miriana Conti in space on the right wing, who drifted inside and struck a looping ball to find the back of the net.
San Gwann were still in the match and developed a major chance in the 23rd minute. Andjela Kricak spread it wide to Fatma Al Girbi who was supported by Thresa Scicluna. Although Valletta saw off the initial threat, Yasmin Attard dispossessed Valletta’s defensive line shortly after to run free on goal. However, the striker’s attempt to find the far right corner lacked the necessary curl and crept just wide.
Frustrations of offside calls that hampered the match between Hibernians and Mtarfa crept into the second match, this time to the detriment of Valletta’s Ylenia Grech who saw her flick into the net over the goalkeeper cancelled for offside. Valletta’s number ten was again released by Laura Muscat shortly after, but the shot lacked the control to find the target.
Valletta kept pressing forward, while San Gwann appeared to lack an outlet when attempting to spring a counter-attack. City’s efforts were rewarded in the 39th minute. Miriana Conti placed a shot into the let corner of the net for the second, following San Gwann’s block on Francesca Bartolo’s attempt.
Valletta continued to pile forward but were unable to trouble San Gwann through corner kicks, while Kirstie Vella was particularly doing well in intercepting play. San Gwann had a final opportunity to attack as Andjela Kricak spread wide to Thresa Scicluna. However, her cross to release Yasmin Attard was intercepted by Anna Aloisio.
Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 2 Valletta
Neither Side Able To Spark Scoring Streak
San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri attempted to take control of the midfield by making a switch at the break. Tracy Axiak replaced Chanice Grixti, with Axiak slotting in defence and thus pushing Annabelle Rapa in midfield. The coach also swapped his wing-backs.
However, Valletta still managed to control the match and finessed more opportunities. Lisa Vella also took to the pitch in replacement of Sabrin Blihi ten minutes into the half to freshen up the defence. Valletta managed a good attack shortly after, as Sarah Vella Barberi linked with Ylenia Grech who drifted onto the wing. However, her cross was well read by Tracy Axiak. City’s efforts to trouble from corners were also waived away, with Anna Aloisio coming the closest but seeing her headed effort veer off target.
San Gwann managed a promising counter-attack after the hour mark, with Fatma Al Girbi surging released by Andjela Kricak. However, with the opportunity to play in teammates who were free in space, the number fifteen decided to go it alone which let Valletta off the hook. A similar pattern developed, resulting in no purchase from good attacks for the Yellows. Andjela Kricak also had an opportunity to strike multiple times, but the Serbian could only find Andressa de Souza Ramos with her shots on the day.
Valletta’s Miriana Conti was close to completing the hat-trick close to the 70th minute mark, with an effort from distance, but saw her low effort creep wide. Valletta’s Ylenia Grech and Monique Sultana gave way shortly after, replaced by the attacking duo of Suzanne Farrugia Sacco and Megan La Rosa. Farrugia Sacco slotted in the wide areas, with Michela Bonello Ghio shifting inside in midfield, while La Rosa directly replaced Grech. Farrugia Sacco was released by Laura Muscat shortly into her appearance, but her attempt to place a shot into the far corner was denied by Justyne Caruana who closed the angle well.
At the other end, San Gwann were having a tough time getting past Lisa Vella in particular, who was keen on making her mark, while Georgiana Mifsud and Anna Aloisio were still the epitome of calm in dealing with situations coming their way.
Valletta’s Miriana Conti and Laura Muscat gave way to Kate Paula Muscat and Alicia Mifsud respectively for the final few minutes of the match. Kya Mamo also made an appearance in replacement of Yasmin Attard.
Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 2 Valletta
Standings & Next Matches
Valletta take their tally to 18 points ahead of the split, extending their gap to San Gwann to eight points ahead of the final round. The two will still see plenty of each other, with three more matches to be played between them in the final phase.
San Gwann will look to bounce back against Mtarfa on Thursday 18th at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (20:30). Valletta will kick off their commitments against Lija Athletic on Saturday 20th at 16:30 at the Mgarr Ground.
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[…] Citizens emerged victorious for the second time against San Gwann thanks to a brace by Miriana Conti, who added herself to the growing list of goalscorers for the team this year. Asked about her […]