Youth and Momentum Collide as Valletta Face Birkirkara

Valletta and Birkirkara close matchday sixteen with contrasting momentum at Dingli Ground (18:00), as Anton Cremona calls for greater defensive discipline despite his side’s improving attacking threat, while Charlene Zammit looks to build on a confident performance and continue integrating youth and depth into the Stripes’ structure.

Direct Paths To Success

Valletta and Birkirkara will be concluding proceedings in matchday sixteen as the final round of the Assikura Women’s League commences.

The Citizens come into it from a tough defeat to Swieqi United, though it was another match which confirmed Valletta’s consistency in earning goals even against the top teams. As ever, Anton Cremona provided a balanced take on the match, “It’s true that we are finding the net consistently, and that we are becoming more dangerous in attack. However, we are still making silly mistakes that are costing us a lot of goals. We have this tendency that once we concede, we take too long to settle and often concede one or two more immediately until we settle which we must address.”

The Valletta coach also acknowledged the impact of the struggle to maintain a consistent line-up, “It’s also true that I’ve had to change our defence in almost every match because of sickness, suspensions, injuries or otherwise. This makes it also very hard to establish the best setup, because each player brings a different characteristic which as a coach you take into account.”

Meanwhile, Birkirkara hit the ground running against San Gwann early on in a match where the Stripes commanded in a performance that has been a sight for sore eyes in recent months from the women’s league giants.

Charlene Zammit was pleased by the performance, “I was very glad with the positive performance from the team. We started well, moved the ball with confidence, and created some good chances. It was a solid performance after the previous game.”

Youngsters Pushing Forth & A New Goalkeeper

The two teams feature plenty of young blood. Carla Giles has consistently held the place in front of the defence for Valletta in the past few weeks, with Anton Cremona giving his view on his choice, “Until November, Carla hadn’t yet even found her place within the U21s. However, she worked hard and kept believing in herself. When I gave her a chance, she left a good impression. I don’t look at age, I see a player who brings energy, determination and an aggressiveness which is something that we lacked so I’m very happy with her so far. I believe she can grow further if she keeps working hard.”

At the opposite end, Stella Francalanza has continued to make a positive name for Birkirkara. Though most often previously associated with the midfield, this year Francalanza has been seen more on the wing, but has made positive attacking runs to good effect as well.

Charlene Zammit explained her decision to shift her into the right-back position, “Stella shows great attitude and maturity. Despite being asked to play in different positions according to the team’s needs, she always adapts and gives one hundred percent effort. She has developed defensively and has the endurance and mentality to support the attack when needed.”

The Stripes have also made a late announcement of a new goalkeeper, with the Birkirkara coach questioned about what she is expected to add to the side, “She will bring depth to the position. Given we have a lot of young goalkeepers with us, she will also bring some additional experience to the squad, supporting the growth of our players.”

There was no hint on whether there will be a debut tonight though.

Teams Well Versed

The two coaches have gathered plenty of experience against each other, with both juggling both the U21 and the senior team, and having sides which feature a lot of overlap between the two squads. The two were questioned about how much that plays a role into their tactical approaches this evening.

Anton Cremona continued to be level-headed but positive in his view, “The senior team is still different because we have to consider that the more experienced players together with foreign ones make a difference. However, from our end we will continue working hard and always take to the pitch with the ambition of taking something from the match. I think we can achieve a lot more if we are tactically more disciplined.”

Meanwhile, Charlene Zammit is firmly focused on maintaining an upward trajectory against whatever battle presents itself, “From one game to another, the team always faces new challenges. However, we keep pushing and stay focused on the next challenge. We are always aiming to improve as a team and to get a positive result.”

The two teams kick-off at 18:00 at Dingli Ground.

Lead Image: Nicholas Falzon

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