by Valletta secured the three points with a 2 – 0 win against Lija Athletic. Sabrin Blihi got the team going from a corner in the opening half, before Oriane Le Gouez rebounded an effort to double the lead in the second half.
Team Selections
Gabriella Grima returned in goal for Valletta, behind the trio of Eunice Micallef, Sabrin Blihi and captain Anna Aloisio. Ylenia Grech, Suzanne Farrugia Sacco and Laura Muscat occupied the midfield, while Gaia Antonelli and Megan La Rosa started on the flanks. Rodianne Zerafa continued leading the attack alongside Oriane Le Gouez.
Isabel Sanchez retained her place in goal for Lija Athletic. A four-piece defence was deployed consisting of Ilona Sultana, Nell Zarb Cousin, captain Sarah Micallef and Milena Stagno. Laury Carrasco Gonzalez started in midfield with Lorna-Maria Cassar. Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez pulled the strings further forward, flanked by Edera Marmara’ and the returning Leanne Micallef. Vanessa Honorio Carneiro was the sole attacker.
How It Unfolded
The opening stint was dominated by Valletta pushing forward in attack, with a keen sense of controlling play and rotating play to open up Lija Athletic. It was reminiscent of the side that triumphed last year. Meawhile, Lija Athletic appeared happy to try to maintain shape and frustrate the Citizens, while eyeing to transition effectively.
However, it was Valletta who were getting their way with Lija Athletic finding it difficult to breach the Valletta defensive line. Rodianne Zerafa had the first close strike in the 17th minute, attempting to lob a finish over the rushing Isabel Sanchez. However, Lija Athletic’s defence did enough to clear the first ball, before Oriane Le Gouez finished wide.
The French player rang more alarms for Lija moments later, but Sarah Micallef and Nell Zarb Cousin combined to block the first shot. Isabel Sanchez made the save on the second from close range.
Lija Athletic managed to create something with purpose on the break. Leanne Micallef sped on the wing, before cutting a pass to Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez. However, she did not connect well with the effort, while having players in support for other options.
Not keen on seeing themselves punished for missed opportunities once more, Valletta made their efforts pay in the 28th minute. Ylenia Grech delivered the corner, with Lija Athletic blocking the first two shots, but they could not deny Sabrin Blihi from the third.
The Citizens piled further forward to get comfort in the lead. However, Isabel Sanchez dealt with a couple of long-range efforts by Ylenia Grech, before Oriane Le Gouez’s strike also fizzed over the bar.
Lija Athletic responded with a direct release for Edera Marmara’. Sabrin Blihi continued to anticipate well, to deflect the ball before Gabriella Grima hoofed to safety.
Referee Sara Kankaras was getting some stick but maintaining a calm resolve over proceedings. Laura Muscat landed in the book in the 35th minute, while the official waived away claims for a penalty for Lija in the final moments of the first half.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 1 – 0 Lija Athletic
Jean Lopes made one change at the break, bringing on Alicia Mifsud instead of Laura Muscat.
Lija Athletic’s Leanne Micallef injected some inspiration into the team going forward, skipping past a marker on the left wing, before finding Vanessa Honorio Carneiro. The Brazilian sought to open to Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez, but like many instances on the night, Lija Athletic could not combine well enough to trouble Valletta.
Valletta’s Rodianne Zerafa responded with a forward run down the wing before cutting inside for the shot. However, she was wide of the mark.
Still, the forward was involved as the side managed to get the comfort of a two goal cushion in the 54th minute. Rodianne Zerafa fired from the edge of the box, clipping the crossbar, before Oriane Le Gouez finished the rebound into the right side of the net from close range.
Lija Athletic’s evening went from bad to worse as Laury Carrasco Gonzalez hobbled off the pitch, with Kelsey Cachia taking her place. She slotted as left-back, pushing Milena Stagno into midfield, a change which gave Lija more hold over midfield.
The youngster was involved as the side thought they had pulled one goal back, playing a well weighted through-ball to release Leanne Micallef. She placed into the far corner of the net, only to see it ruled out by the offside flag.
The match trudged on with Valletta focused on maintaining their lead by managing the game, while Lija had sporadic attempts to find something to get back into it. The side got closest from set-pieces with Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez fizzing a curled effort wide, before Nell Zarb Cousin had an attempt but found Gabriella Grima ready to collect.
Both coaches made further changes. Valletta’s Oriane Le Gouez gave way to Leona Carabott. Sarah Fenech also replaced Megan La Rosa, occupying the wing, while Gaia Antonelli shifted into midfield. Rodianne Zerafa also made way for Sara Bonello Ghio in the final moments. On the other hand, Lija Athletic’s Phoebe Camilleri replaced Lorna-Maria Cassar to add a further attacking threat. Edera Marmara’ was replaced by Ulani Belkis.
Phoebe Camilleri was picked out at the edge of the box, but found Eunice Micallef ready to make the block for the corner. Gabriella Grima dealt with the delivery to ensure Valletta maintained their clean sheet. The rest of the match was characterised by individualism that, while injecting some inspiration into the match, resulted in wayward efforts that ultimately denied both teams from getting more.
Final Score: Valletta 2 – 0 Lija Athletic
Standings & Next Matches
Valletta reclaim second place with the victory taking their tally to 23 points, two points more than Lija Athletic in the Bottom Four pool. Both teams will return on Thursday, with Lija Athletic facing Bottom Four leaders San Gwann at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15, while Valletta face Mtarfa at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30.
However, before then, today presents the Top Four encounters that will continue to unravel the four-horse title race in the Assikura Women’s League. Hibernians will take on Birkirkara at 14:00, before league leaders Swieqi United face Mgarr United at 16:30. Both matches will be played at the Charles Abela Stadium.
Make sure to never miss an Assikura Women’s League match by syncing your calendar here.
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