Hibernians clinched an important victory over Mġarr United to become the sole leaders of the Assikura Women’s League.

The Paolites are now leading the standings on 22 points, two ahead of Swieqi United and three above champions Birkirkara who have one game in hand.

Keith Gouder’s side drew first blood through Nicole Sciberras who headered home a Chloe Ann Ellul’s freekick past the half-hour mark. After the exchange of ends, Hibernians doubled their lead through Alexis Espitia who fired home from close-range. Mġarr pulled one back through Brazilian forward Fernanda Peinado before Martina Borg restored the two-goal lead for Hibernians with a strike from inside the penalty area. Peinado scored again in stoppage time – her league’s 12th goal, but was not enough to rescue at least a point for Mġarr.

Birkirkara and Swieqi United cancelled each other out in their second round encounter, days after the Owls had halted the Stripes’ long unbeaten run in the league.

In a pulsating match, the Stripes created the most chances but could not make their pressure count as they have scored just a single point against Swieqi in two league matches.

Swieqi are second on 20 points, with Birkirkara trailing the Owls by one in third.

Valletta moved to 12 points in the standings after hitting Mtarfa for eight in their latest league game.

Brazilian forward Marcelle scored four goals as she now sits sixth in the league’s scoring charts with eight. Duda Martins, another Brazilian summer signing, found the net as well. The other goals were grabbed by Francesca Bartolo, Laura Muscat and Ylenia Grech.

San Ġwann scored a second-half winner to beat Lija Athletic and move to seven points in the standings.

Shania Gheiti scored the all-important goal as San Ġwann – led by Julian Camilleri – have two wins after nine outings. Lija Athletic, on their part, remain on four points.