Girls Under-16's lose to Hibernians

by Ayrton Galea - 12th October 2014

A goal just before the half-time whistle condemned Birkirkara FC Girls Under-16's Team to their second defeat as Hibernians FC registered a narrow 1-0 victory in a balanced and entertaining match played this morning at Gharghur Grounds.

Birkirkara and Hibernians gave a splendid performance to produce an entertaining match but the Paolites scored a gem of a goal just before the half-time whistle, that was enough to take the three points.

Mr. Johann Scicluna had Nicole Zammit available for his selection as she joined our Club from Msida St. Joseph FC. She was included as a substitute and had an excellent performance. Also, goalkeeper Anthea Enriquez also had a very improved performance.

The First Half

Right from the start, both teams started on a high tempo, but it was Hibernians that threatened first. On the third minute, Rodiana Borg dribbled past two players but her left-footed shot ended wide off the far post.

Birkirkara were quick to reply and create their first scoring opportunity. Michela Felice received possession from a throw-in and advanced down the right flank before having her shot from a diagonal position ending wide.

On the tenth minute, Giuilia Micallef delivered a fine second-post corner in the direction of Mireille Bellizzi but the latter was unbalanced. Just two minutes later, Birkirkara threatened again thanks to a direct free-kick by Mariah Sciberras but her powerful strike ended wide.

The Stripes were unlucky not to take the lead on the fourteenth minute. Michela Felice won possession in the Hibernians' halve pitch and the tireless midfielder raced forward only to see her fierce strike smashing against the upright.

Hibernians reacted strongly and it was their turn to go close. A through ball put a Hibernians player in a one versus one situation against the Birkirkara goalkeeper, but Anthea Enriquez made a brilliant save to keep the score level. Just two minutes later, Hibernians had another attempt ending wide.

When the match seemed to be heading into a half-time draw, Hibernians broke the deadlock with a gem of a goal, thanks to Kayleigh Chetcuti who hit a brilliant strike from distance that beat the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

With no time to react, the balanced first half saw Hibernians enjoying a narrow 1-0 lead.

The Second Half

For the start of the second half, the Birkirkara Coach, Mr. Johann Scicluna was forced to make his first change as Giulia Micallef had to be replaced by Sarah Urpani, after Giulia suffered a knock in the first half. Just after four minutes, he made another substitution by introducing Samantha Zarb off Mireille Bellizzi and a minute later Nicole Zammit made her debut by replacing Michela Felice.

The match continued to remain a balanced encounter as the football played by both sides continued to produce an entertaining encounter. Birkirkara were trying to push forward but Hibernians were showing great resilience.

On the forty-third minute, Sarah Urpani made excellent work before serving Adele Calleja, who had been introduced just moments earlier off Mariah Sciberras. Adele saw her shot ending wide by mere inches. Just two minutes later, the same player had a good effort on goal saved by the goalkeeper.

Birkirkara kept pushing forward till the end but their efforts were cut short by the referee's full time whistle to suffer their second consecutive defeat.

BIRKIRKARA: Anthea Enriquez, Alexia Galea (40' Janine Harmworth), Giulia Micallef (26' Sarah Urpani), Michela Felice (30' Nicole Zammit), Mariah Fenech, Mariah Sciberras (40' Adele Calleja), Mireille Bellizzi (29' Samantha Zarb).

HIBERNIANS: Shakira Bugeja, Kayleigh Chetcuti (45' Emelee Farrugia), Amber Brincat (26' Martina Spiteri), Rodiana Borg, Sharome Spagnol (45' Martina Sciberras), Mkea Ellul, Nicole Borg.

Referee: Ahmed Islem Madkour.

Scorers: 25' Kayleigh Chetcuti (Hibernians).

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