Malta XI 1 vs K Basildon Ladies FC 5

 Gianluca Lia After the heart-breaking elimination from the UEFA Euro Preliminary round, our Women’s National Team under the guidance of Coach Mark Gatt faced British side, C&K Basildon Ladies in an experimental friendly match.  C&K Basildon Ladies are situated in the South East of London and currently they are the leaders of the Premier League South East Division.  Coach Mark fielded an experimental line up led by Shona Zammit who was captaining her nation for the very first time. Goalkeeper Rachel Borg started between the posts for only the second time while key players such as Rachel Cuschieri and Charlene Zammit were unavailable for this match. Malta were dangerous in the initial minutes and Ylenia Carabott had almost opened the score for the home side but her effort went inches wide.  That dangerous goal scoring opportunity seemed to have waken up the British as from then on they imposed their game well and increasing their pressure as time went by.  Rodney broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when she availed from a Malta’s mistake at the back and finished with composure to put the English side in front. They continued to press for another goal but on the 29th minute, Xuereb equalised for Malta with a great shot from the edge of the box. Few minutes later, Coach Mark made a few substitutions including former captain Rebecca D’Agostino.  That was the last goal-scoring opportunity for Malta in the first 45 minutes as the British side took possession of the game once again and doubled the score on the 41st minute with a sensational shot from outside the box by Rushen.  Just before the half time whistle, C&K added a third goal to end the 1st half at 1-3.  Great delivery from the left flank and with a great sense of timing,  Lacey anticipated  Borg with a great header. In the second half, C&K resumed from where they had left and within few minutes they wrapped up the match with a couple of goals.  Both goals coming from set pieces, a situation in which the British were dominant throughout the whole match due to their heights and strong physique.  Coach Mark kept changing his tactical system to give more playing time to the rest of the substitutes.  Coming from the bench, Dorianne Theuma took control of Malta’s midfield and tried to orchestrate the Maltese’ offensive line but their efforts were harmless.  C&K then added another one from Lacey to end the match in a 1-5 win for the British team. Malta XI:  Rachelle Borg; Gabriella Zahra; AnnMarie Said (Rebecca D’Agostino); Nicole Buttigieg (Claudette Xuereb); Martina Borg; Antoinette Sammut; Ylenia Carabott (Kelly Agius Pace); Yasmeen Vella (Charlene Cassia); Shona Zammit © (Raina Giusti); Jade Flask (Dorianne Theuma); Emma Xuereb (Mandy Debono).Coach: Mr.Mark Gatt.