A late goal by Alishia Sultana salvaged Birkirkara a 1-1 draw against Raiders Lija as the reigning champions stay unbeaten, extending their league run to 74 games without defeats.

However, their stalemate has cost them top spot after Swieqi United joined them in first place following their 3-0 victory against Hibernians.

Led by Jose Borg, Birkirkara went one goal down after just three minutes when Sabrin Blihi drew first blood for Raiders Lija.

Denis Guerra’s Raiders fielded a strong formation with former Birkirkara player Lexine Farrugia in the attacking department.

On the other hand, Birkirkara had Italian midfielder Gaia Milan and forward Sofia Iaderosa of Canada absent.

The Stripes scored a late equaliser through Alishia Sultana – her third of the season, as the Malta international pops up with a goal in yet another big game after scoring against Swieqi United in the opener.

Meanwhile, a first-half blitz by Swieqi propelled them towards a comfortable win over Hibernians.

After a strong start by the Paolites, the Owls forged ahead through a Shona Zammit strike before Fernanda Peinado doubled the lead five minutes later.

After the change of ends, Swieqi preserved their two-goal lead before finding a third through Jade Flask.

Elsewhere, Mtarfa secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over San Ġwann to pick up their first three points of the season while leaving their opponents at the bottom of the table.

Nicole Camenzuli had put San Ġwann ahead on the brink of half-time.

Nonetheless, Simon Spiteri’s Mtarfa managed to grab two goals on the 86th minute, through Kirsty Paris, and in stoppage time, thanks to Thea Ida Scicluna to complete their comeback win.