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Women’s Knock Out; Semi-finals’ preview

Published: 11-05-2015 12:30
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 With Hibernians crowned champions for the second consecutive season, all the attention will turn on the domestic knock-out cup which has now entered to its ultimate phase with both semi-finals being played on Monday and the final the following Tuesday.  4 teams will give their all to try and end their season on a high note, with Hibernians being the natural favourites for the double following their league’s success.   Birkirkara vs Hibernians The Paolites will face eternal rivals Birkirkara in what is being referred to as ‘the anticipated final’.  The Stripes, who are the current holders of the cup will try to shatter Hibernians’ dream of doing the double while on the other Hibernians are hoping to bring back the cup to Paola after an absence of 8 seasons.  From Birkirkara: International striker, Kelly Agius Pace stated that winning the cup may not have the same privilege as winning the league but her team will give their all to retain the cup at home for the 13th time.  Moreover, she added that despite having lost last week's encounter against Hibernians, they do not have any particular pressure and will give their all to overcome their rivals. From Hibernians:Ylenia Carabott, whose 33 goals spearheaded Hibernians towards their 11th title, said that her companions are striving towards the double and their motivation has not vanished despite having won the title.  She added that their previous win over Birkirkara does not mean anything and they have to be focused to the full to be successful over their rivals.   Birkirkara’s route towards the semi-finals:·         Q/F; vs Mgarr United  - 1-0 (a.e.t) Hibernians' route towards the semi-finals:·         Q/F; vs Swieqi United - 5-0.     Raiders (Luxol) vs Sliema Wanderers  In the other semi-final, 3rd place Raiders (Luxol) will face Section B side, Sliema Wanderers who despite this is their debut season, they managed to reach the semi-finals and have a great will to extend their domestic cup run. In what it seems to be a one sided match, Raiders (Luxol) will aim to reach the final but to do so they must not underestimate Sliema Wanderers who in the previous round eliminated Section A team, Pembroke Athleta.  On the other hand, Sliema Wanderers are the natural underdogs but having the opportunity to play for a spot in the final on their debut season it can be already considered an achievement for the Blues.  From Raiders (Luxol):Raiders (Luxol)’s defender, Ann-Marie Said rubbished the idea of having an easy game on Monday.  She stated that every cup tie is similar to a final and they have to give their all to overcome their opponents and reach the final.  From Sliema Wanderers:Coach Mark Vella eased off the pressure from his girls stating that his girls are extra-motivated as they have nothing to lose but everything to gain being the underdogs.  Moreover he said he is satisfied with his team’s performance during training session and he is hoping in another impressive display against Raiders (Luxol).   Raiders (Luxol)’s route towards the semi-finals.·         P/R; vs Hamrun Spartans - 1-14.·         Q/F; vs Kirkop United - 4-0. Sliema Wanderers’ route towards the semi-finals:·         P/R; vs Tarxien Rainbows - 1-2.·         Q/F; vs Pembroke Athleta - 0-1 (a.e.t).   Monday, 11 May 2015 Women's Knock-out Semi Final Fixtures 18:00 Raiders (Luxol) vs Sliema Wanderers - Centenary Stadium20:00 Birkirkara vs Hibernians - Centenary Stadium