The rivalry encounter between Hibernians and Birkirkara lived up to its billing, as the nerve-wrecking match, witnessed by a good crowd including the Hibernians’ men’s team was decided by a solitary goal from Ylenia Carabott as the Paolites managed to defeat their rivals to claim leadership in the BOV Women’s League.
As usual, both teams were looking forward to this game and some of their respective members even went to local schools to promote the game, on a campaign supported by the Malta FA. Moreover, the teams agreed to play in different socks in occasion of the Down syndrome’s Day, underlining the harmony shared between the two clubs.
Hibs enjoyed the lions’ share of possession in the first half but never really threatened Birkirkara’s goalkeeper, Janice Xuereb. On the other side, Birkirkara upped their ante late in the first half and they even managed to draw first blood through captain Stephania Farrugia, but her goal was disallowed for a foul inside the eighteen.
After the change of ends, Xuereb had to replaced by Tonina Dimech after suffering a knock. The Stripes started to mount pressure on their opponents but it was Hibs who forged ahead through Carabott’s close-range effort after the ball bounced back from the woodwork. Birkirkara attempted a late rally in bid to salvage a point and their leadership but Hibs’ resilience proved too strong for them.
Elsewhere, Raiders (Luxol) chalked up an impressive 2-1 win over Mġarr United with Rodianne Zerafa grabbing a brace. Raisa Calleja was the scorer for the Greens.
Moreover, Kirkop United came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Tarxien Rainbows. The Rainbows forged ahead through Kailey Willis’ 10th goal of the season. Nonetheless, Demi Magrin levelled terms before Kim Simler notched the winner.
Meanwhile, Mosta registered their first point of the season after holding Fgura United to a 1-1 draw. Janice Pace opened the score for Fgura before Thresa Scicluna levelled terms for the Blues.
STANDINGS
Section A: Hibernians 35; Birkirkara 32; Mġarr United, Raiders (Luxol) 22; Kirkop United 15; Tarxien Rainbows 8.
Section B: Swieqi United 13; Fgura United 11; Mosta 1.